Compare mainstream business financing and relevant inclusive entrepreneurship programs. Black and Indigenous entrepreneurship initiatives have distinct criteria and application processes; do not assume a single program covers every community.
Compare before you commitCosts, terms and guarantees
Amounts and timing depend on eligibility, approval, a complete application, the product, and provider and bank processing. MicroCapital is a financing broker, not a lender.
01
Build a financing plan for your business
Compare mainstream business financing and relevant inclusive entrepreneurship programs. Black and Indigenous entrepreneurship initiatives have distinct criteria and application processes; do not assume a single program covers every community.
02
Match the repayment to the project
Use a term loan or equipment facility for a long-lived purchase and compare revolving credit for recurring short-term gaps. Check the total repayment, fees, guarantees and early repayment terms before choosing.
03
Choose resources relevant to your business
Programs supporting particular communities have distinct definitions and requirements. Confirm the organization’s criteria instead of assuming that a broad diversity label establishes eligibility. Compare any support with the commercial financing needed for the same project.
04
Turn your experience into a clear business case
Explain what the business sells, who its customers are and why the proposed investment is needed now. Support the plan with quotes, contracts or evidence of customer demand where available. Distinguish business revenue from personal income and identify the cash needed before the project starts paying for itself. A useful application connects the requested amount to specific expenses and a realistic repayment plan.
05
Compare commercial financing and support programs separately
A commercial loan, a grant and an entrepreneurship support program can serve different purposes. Check who provides the funds, whether repayment is required, which costs qualify and when a decision is expected. Do not include unapproved grants as confirmed cash in your forecast. Ownership or service background alone does not establish commercial credit eligibility, and a MicroCapital application does not enroll you in a government program.
A little clarity
Good questions. Clear answers.
What should I prepare before applying?+
Ownership information, use of funds and the requirements of each relevant program.
How much financing can I request?+
MicroCapital advertises business financing from $5,000 to $1,000,000. The amount available depends on the product, your business and the provider’s assessment. Request an amount supported by your budget rather than assuming the maximum will be offered.
What affects the time to receive funds?+
Funding in 24–48 hours is available for eligible, approved requests, subject to a complete application and provider and bank processing. Missing information, verification or product requirements can change the timing.
Can a new business apply without established revenue?+
Ask which products, if any, are available for your stage of business. A provider may require operating history or revenue; a forecast does not automatically replace those requirements. Explain the start-up budget and owner contribution clearly.
Is a personal guarantee or security required?+
Requirements differ by provider and agreement. Ask which business assets or personal obligations are involved and what happens if payments are missed. Review the actual agreement before accepting; a product label alone does not establish its security requirements.
What should I compare before accepting an offer?+
Compare net funds received, total repayment, fees, payment frequency, term and early repayment conditions. Include existing debt in your cash-flow forecast and ask for unclear terms in writing.
From $5,000 to $1,000,000. Funding in 24–48 hours.
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For eligible businesses, subject to approval and a complete application. Amounts, pricing and timing depend on the product, provider and bank processing.
