Commonly Asked Questions

 

  1. What industries does the fund support?

There is no restriction on the types of industries the Fund can support. Although there is an emphasis on the key strategic growth sectors such as energy, mining, forestry, manufacturing, processing and tourism, CCDF also provides support to the retail, service, hospitality, and specialized agriculture industries.   The restrictions are noted in the CCDF brochure.

Under the Métis Energy & Resource Program, an emphasis is placed on supporting projects which fall under the major resource and energy developments within Saskatchewan.  Under this program, 60% of the company’s revenues must be derived from the energy and resource sectors.

  1. What does CCDF not fund in a normal proposal?

Under its traditional program guidelines, CCDF is restricted to funding only fixed assets. Items such as land, buildings, furniture, fixtures, leasehold improvements, vehicles, and equipment are fixed assets. Working capital, inventory, pre-start up capital, feasibility studies, debt consolidation, refinancing or other soft costs will not be funded.

Note: Under the Métis Energy & Resource Program, CCDF contributions are based on the fixed assets in the project, but we also have the ability to look at funding up to 35% of the working capital and inventory costs identified in the project costs. 

  1. Does the percentage of Métis ownership determine the amount you can obtain from CCDF?

In some cases it may have an impact. It must be clear that the Métis owner will stand to gain from the funding provided by CCDF. Each project will be considered on a case by case basis. In the case of a marital situation where the spouse is not Métis, the contribution will not be discounted.

  1. If I would like to start the process of applying for funding from CCDF, where would I find the application forms?

 All CCDF application forms can be found on our website  (www.clarencecampeau.com). You may also call the Saskatoon (1-888-657-4870) or Regina (1-877-359-2233) offices and have the application forms mailed directly to you. 

  1. Is there a number I can call if I have questions during the application process?

Absolutely!  As mentioned previously, we now have a regional office in Regina in addition to our head office in Saskatoon. The toll free numbers are:
Saskatoon (1-888-657-4870)
Regina (1-877-359-2233)
Clients will have a development officer assigned to their application/project and will be directed appropriately to have any question answered. 

  1. How long does the process take once CCDF has the completed business plan?

For approvals under $200,000, CCDF commits to a decision within two days. Approvals over that amount may take upwards to a week depending on the availability of the Board of Directors. You will be kept well informed throughout the entire process.

  1. Can equity be in a form other than cash?

Although cash equity is preferred, equity in the form of contributed assets (directly related to the business) maybe considered. CCDF does not recognize personal assets such as a personal vehicle or residential real estate as equity. In the case of an existing business, CCDF will recognize the equity built up in the fixed assets as equity in a new proposal.

  1. Are personal guarantees taken by CCDF?

Funding to partnerships and proprietorships are supported by an accepted letter of offer and a contribution agreement signed by all the owners of the business. Since CCDF is viewed as providing equity on behalf of the owner, he/she is personally obligated.

In the case of a limited company, CCDF makes the contribution to the shareholders and the company jointly so the owners are personally obligated.

When preferred shares are taken, the owners are expected to sign a personal guarantee for repayment.

  1. How many times, and when, can we go back to CCDF?

You can reapply to CCDF as many times as you want. The project will be considered as long as it meets the criteria. The creation of employment, leveraging of conventional financing, project viability, and the repayment history with CCDF and other creditors will be the determining factors.

  1. Is there any support available after the contribution is made?

The Fund provides non-repayable aftercare support of up to $10,000 over the life of the CCDF Contribution. The Fund also has a program to assist clients with management and marketing skills training. The intent is to continue a relationship with our clients well after the project is funded, providing support and guidance along the way.

  1. What are the restrictions to the Management and Marketing Skills Training Program?

Technical skills such as truck driver training, equipment operator training, etc. will not be funded. The intent is to help clients acquire the skills necessary to manage their business. The program is quite flexible in this regard and relies on the client to determine his/her needs.

  1. Does CCDF provide grants or non-repayable contributions?

 There are non repayable contributions available for community based business proposals under the Community Development Program. CCDF does not provide non-repayable contributions to private business.

Business plan assistance, aftercare assistance, and management and marketing skills training are all non repayable.

  1. Can CCDF provide more than $1,000,000.00 towards a business project?

CCDF can consider providing over $1,000,000; however, it would require the approval of the province.

  1. How stable is CCDF?

The Fund was legislated as a provincial crown agency for the purpose of the Provincial Auditors Act in 2001. The operating “Agreement” between the Métis Nation and the province has no sunset clause. CCDF has been successfully providing equity support to Métis business in Saskatchewan for the past 12 years. CCDF is a leader in Métis economic development with a record for job and wealth creation that speaks for itself. CCDF also houses the recently established Métis Economic Development Sector and has established the federally funded Métis Energy and Resource Program (MERP). In the 2010 provincial budget CCDF funding was increased to $3.4 million dollars annually (an increase of 73%). It is expected that CCDF will continue to provide much needed equity support to Métis business well into the future.

  1. What is the ratio of approvals to declines?

 CCDF has never declined an application that has gone through the process of independent business planning that supports the viability of the project.

  1. Does CCDF fund not-for-profit businesses?

Under the Community Development Program, CCDF can fund not-for-profit businesses that are supported by a professionally prepared business plan which demonstrates business viability including the repayment of any repayable contribution from CCDF.

  1. How can I register my business to be listed in the Métis Business Directory?

 You can register your business by filling out a form available at our CCDF offices or on our websites: 
www.clarencecampeau.com or www.metiseconomicdevelopment.com 

 

                

All applicants will be required to enter into a contractual agreement with CCDF.

For additional information, please contact the CCDF Office.