EDGE Fund

Shortly after the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government of Canada established the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses with the pandemic’s economic impacts. Community Futures Middlesex was a delivery partner for this loan program, fully allocating its $1.5 million contribution.

With continued support from FedDev Ontario, we have launched the Economic Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) Fund. Through this new program, we intend to give Middlesex County entrepreneurs and businesses an edge, offering favourable interest rates and terms for clients with a vision to explore new opportunities or strengthen their business post-pandemic.

Program Details

New applicants and existing clients of Community Futures Middlesex may request a business loan of up to $100,000. To be eligible, applicants must have established their business and not had financial difficulties before March 1, 2020.

To be eligible for more than $30,000, applicants must have operated their business for at least two (2) years. New applicants are required to complete a business plan, while existing clients must be in good standing with Community Futures Middlesex.

Applicants must provide a detailed summary explaining how they intend to use this funding, as well as an overview of COVID-19 supports they have accessed. Please refer to the application forms and documents below for the full conditions and details of this program.

Funding Uses, Rates and Terms

Recipients can use the EDGE Fund for any legitimate business purposes, including but not limited to the purchase of fixed assets and inventory, leasehold improvements and working capital. It cannot be used to repay existing loans with Community Futures Middlesex.

There will be 0% interest and no payments for 18 months. Repayments will be amortized over a five-year period, with the initial three-year term at 4.45% interest.

Any questions about the EDGE Fund, or determining your eligibility to apply, can be submitted by emailing loans@cfmiddlesex.ca or calling (519) 641-6100. We will accept applications up until July 31, 2021, or until allocated funds have been depleted.