There’s a new partnership that launched recently, tying local businesses to funding to help spur growth.
The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce has linked arms with Community Futures CK to launch the Rural Community Growth & Investment Loan Program.
The program gives Chamber members with access to flexible financing from $5,000 to $20,000 to support expansion, inventory, equipment, and start-up needs.
“Chatham-Kent is leading the way with a first-of-its-kind partnership that directly connects Chamber membership to access to capital – unlocking new opportunities for local business growth,” Chamber officials said in a media release.
The partnership brings together two forces: the Chamber’s role as a connector, advocate, and champion for business; and Community Futures CK’s expertise in flexible, community-based lending and advisory support. The result is a locally driven solution that helps businesses move from idea to action.
“As a community focussed organization with rural economic support as our focus, this strategic partnership with the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce illustrates our commitment to bring new investment to the business community to help create resiliency and a growth mindset within Chatham-Kent,” said David Argenti, executive director of Community Futures CK, in a media release.
The program features an interest rate at bank prime plus two per cent, designed to reflect today’s economic realities – where cash flow is critical and access to manageable financing can determine whether a business can act on opportunity.
More importantly, the rate reflects confidence in the strength of Chamber businesses. Companies that are connected, supported, and engaged through the Chamber ecosystem are better positioned to succeed—helping reduce risk and enabling more accessible, practical financing.
“Being a member of the Chamber is an investment in your business’s potential,” said Rory Ring, president & CEO of the Chamber. “This partnership turns that investment into real opportunity – connecting members not just to networks, but to capital, support, and growth when it matters most.”
Community Futures CK emphasized the importance of local investment in building business resilience and supporting sustainable growth across rural communities.
By aligning access to capital with a strong local business network, the program addresses one of the most persistent barriers facing small business: timely financing. It supports both established businesses ready to grow and new entrepreneurs preparing to launch—reinforcing a model of economic growth from within.
The impact is local and lasting. As businesses grow, they create jobs, strengthen main streets, and reinvest in the community—bringing new energy to the Love Local, Shop Local movement.
- Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to [email protected].
