Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lawrence MacAulay and Farm Credit Canada (FCC) announced a new loan for young entrepreneurs in the agriculture retail, manufacturing and food processing sectors.
The Young Entrepreneur Loan offers financing of up to $1 million per qualified applicant, under age 40, and can be used for the purchase or improvement of agriculture-related assets or the purchase of shares in an agriculture-related business, including those in the agri-food sector. This access to capital will allow these businesses to take advantage of new opportunities, grow the economy and create more middle class jobs.
“The Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector needs more young people to get engaged, because they bring the energy and innovative ways of thinking that grow the sector and keep it on the cutting-edge,” said MacAulay. “Through the Young Entrepreneur and Young Farmer Loans, FCC is improving access to capital so that young Canadian farmers and entrepreneurs can start and grow their businesses, and pursue their dreams in this dynamic industry.”
“From production to food processing and retail, Canada’s agriculture industry needs the ideas, passion and energy of our young people. And as they enter into this dynamic industry, FCC is committed to helping them succeed,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO. “By providing specialized loans for young farmers and entrepreneurs, we are helping the next generation get established and contribute to Canada achieving its full potential as a leading food supplier worldwide.”
The Young Entrepreneur Loan has a 25 per cent minimum down payment requirement, custom variable and five-year fixed rates. Similar to the Young Farmer Loan, which was introduced in 2012 and enhanced last December, there are no processing fees.
