Loans

Nipissing First Nation Small Business Loan Program
Flexible Business Financing for NFN Members

Are you a Nipissing First Nation member looking to start or expand your small business? The NFN Small Business Loan Program provides accessible and flexible financing to support entrepreneurs at all stages of business development.

This loan program offers an alternative to traditional lending by featuring flexible repayment terms and lower security requirements, empowering more NFN members to launch and grow their businesses successfully.

Loan Details

  • Loan Amount: Up to $20,000
  • Interest Rate: Prime + 2% (simple interest)
  • Maximum Term: 5 years
  • Payment Schedule: Monthly payments of principal and interest begin 30 days after funds are disbursed
  • Eligible Business Types: New startups, expansions, seasonal or home-based businesses, young entrepreneurs, etc.

Loans may be used for eligible business expenses such as equipment purchases, renovations, working capital, marketing, and other operational needs.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the Small Business Loan Program, applicants must:

  • Be a registered member of Nipissing First Nation
  • Be in good financial standing with NFN (no arrears)
  • Provide an equity investment into the business
  • Demonstrate repayment ability through a business plan and financial forecasts

Application Process

The loan application process includes the following steps:

  1. Formal Application – Complete and submit the Loan Application Form and Business Plan including financial projections (templates available upon request), supplier quotes, and personal financial information.
  2. Review by Loan Committee – Applications are evaluated for viability, risk, and repayment ability.
  3. Final Approval by Chief and Council – Successful applicants are issued a loan offer with terms and conditions.

Note: This process can take several weeks. Plan ahead and reach out early.

Terms, Security, and Conditions

Each loan will be secured appropriately, based on risk and business assets. Security may include:

  • General security agreements
  • Personal guarantees
  • Equipment or asset liens
  • Assignment of insurance

Additional conditions may include annual financial statement submissions, loan administration fees, or specific reporting obligations.

Success Stories

Subtle Aesthetics
Brittany Jolicoeur (pictured right), an NFN member and co-founder of Subtle Aesthetics in North Bay, is redefining confidence through expert cosmetic care. Since launching in 2023 with partner Nicole, their clinic has quickly become a trusted destination for safe, high-quality aesthetic treatments that enhance natural beauty. Built on a foundation of personalized care, Subtle Aesthetics offers cosmetic injections and advanced laser treatments. With $20,000 in support from the NFN Small Business Loan, Brittany was able to purchase new equipment to further expand the services offered by Subtle Aesthetics.

SmartyPrints
Avalon Lupini, an NFN member and pharmacy technician at Health Sciences North in Sudbury, tackled a daily patient safety issue—illegible, smudged expiry labels—by inventing SmartyPrints, a compact printer that produces clear, professional labels for medications. With $20,000 in support from the NFN Small Business Loan Program, Avalon brought her vision to life. Designed, engineered, and marketed entirely in Canada, SmartyPrints has seen 40 units built and six already sold. Her innovation earned her national recognition with the “Technician Initiative Award” at the Pharmacy Practice Business Awards.


Nbisiing Well Drilling
Kyle and Jack O’Halloran, NFN members and graduates of Fleming College, have launched Nbisiing Well Drilling, bringing over a decade of combined experience in drilling and heavy equipment to their new venture. Kyle, a Resources Drilling and Blasting graduate and current Exploration Diamond Driller, has worked on major projects from Alaska’s North Slope to Canada’s Atlantic coast. Jack, a Heavy Equipment Technician, adds expert technical support to the operation. Together, they’ve successfully drilled thousands of meters across Canada in every season and environment. With $20,000 from the NFN Small Business Loan Program, Nbisiing Well Drilling is now proudly serving the region with reliable, experienced service rooted in NFN.

Forms & Resources

Contact Information

Zack Lafleur, Economic Development Manager
705-753-2050 ext. 1264

To contact staff by email, please visit our Contact Us page.