Farmers and food producers looking for financing to help them grow are being encouraged to apply to the Fair Finance Fund.
The non-profit social finance fund provides loans and mentorship to local food and farm enterprises across Ontario. Its spring loan intake is open now.
Eligible producers can receive between $20,000 and $200,000 for a five-year term, and each client receives up to 10 hours of mentorship and business assistance. No credit check is required for loans under $100,000, and the fund offers clients a fixed 7.5 per cent interest rate.
According to numbers provided by the Fund, as of 2023, more than $900,000 in financing has been invested in agri-food projects across Northern Ontario.
Those investments have facilitated more than $2.16 million in local food sales, supported more than 25 local suppliers in purchases, and created or maintained more than 60 jobs.
More information on the Fund, including how to apply for investment, is available here.
