Finance Partners
The Kootenay Columbia Community Investment Co-op is one of three Investment Co-ops serving the Kootenay region of British Columbia. The three Co-ops collaborate on loans and share operational best practices.
What is a collaborative loan application?
Depending where a business is located a business can apply for a loan to their local Investment Co-op. If that business serves other regions of the Kootenays they can request, or their local co-op may suggest, a collaboration with the other Investment Co-ops. For example if a business is located (or has the head-office) in Cranbrook and the business provides services to that area, the business would approach the East Kootenay Co-op. If the business provides services to Creston there is a possibility for collaborative funds to be provided by the Creston Co-op. If that business provides services to communities in the West Kootenay / Boundary region of the Kootenays then again, there is a possibility for collaborative funds. In similar form if a business is based in Creston and services other Kootenay regions the business would first approach the Creston Investment Co-op. It is expected that the business will be in contact first with their local regional Co-op and then that Co-op would approach the others if it meets the criteria. Loan criteria is very similar between the regions – feel free to explore the websites of all the Co-ops. A collaborative loan does not necessarily mean a large loan or more funds than requested to the local Co-op; it means there may be advantages to the Co-ops and the business to collaborate.
Some advantages to a collaborative loan application:
- Possibility to secure a larger loan
- Amplifying awareness of the business across multiple regions in the Kootenays
- One application process, if it becomes a syndicated loan there is only one loan contract
- Less administration than multiple applications
- Access to a wider network for further loan partners and / or mentoring
- Lowering risk to one Co-op for tying up loan funds
What is a syndicated loan versus a collaborative loan application?
A syndicated loan means one lender takes on the management of a loan on behalf of all the lending partners. This entails the paperwork (loan documents, amortization schedules, registering any liens), dispersing of funds, collection of loan payments, monitoring of the loan, etc. That lender has an agreement with the other loan partners, in this case the other Investment Co-ops, to pay them their share of the loan payments as per agreement.
If for some reason it does not make sense to do a syndicated loan, the business may still go through the collaborative loan application and then have loan agreements with the individual Investment Co-ops to receive funds. This is more admin heavy but there are circumstances where this makes the most sense. This is case by case and can be discussed when applying for a loan.
Other financial partners that the Kootenay Columbia Community Investment Co-op may be able to help a business access are:
Understand How Community Investment Co-ops Create Impact
Pool Our Capital
Members of the Investment Co-op pool their money together to directly support businesses in their communities that are making an impact.
Finance Local Business
Businesses within our region can apply for financing that works for their unique needs. Approved applicants receive business development guidance, collaborative financing & ongoing support.
Partner For Success
The Investment Co-op leverages our member’s investments with traditional financial institutions to provide the capital your business needs to grow.
Create Community Impact
We direct capital into local businesses that provide economic, social, environmental and community impacts. We believe in doing good while making a profit.
We invest in startups, local businesses & projects that generate significant impacts in our community.
Community economic development projects
Locally-owned small business development
Technology
Sustainable agriculture and food production
Affordable housing
Renewable energy

We're Here To Help
CDCIC can assist with the process of application to other lenders once we have an application in hand and it is strong enough to move forward with.