‘Purpose lending’ loan launched for businesses that give back

Vancouver – Alternative lender Merchant Advance Capital has launched a loan for entrepreneurs who want to make a positive impact on their community or environment through improvements to their business.

The Good Cents Loan is a “purpose lending” loan for entrepreneurs improving their business to make a positive impact on their community and environment,” the company said in a news release. “It’s structured as a traditional business loan, with daily fixed repayments. Canadian business owners can now access special rates for sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.”

The financing option is meant to help owners who want to build social responsibility into their daily operations but cannot afford the upfront costs, the company said. Examples of eligible uses for the loan include energy efficiency upgrades or renovations to make a business more physically accessible for employees or customers.

“The Good Cents Loan is our way of saying we know company initiatives and upgrades with a social and environmental benefit is good for business,” said David Gens, chief executive officer and founder of Merchant Advance Capital, in the release. “It can be hard as a small business owner to make traditional financiers see the monetary value of such an investment.”

“Only a few of the larger, international banks and lenders offer a purpose loan – or impact loan similar to the Good Cents Loan. We’re pleased to operate in a socially conscious environment where this type of model is the increasing norm in other industries,” Gens said.

Approved applicants for the Good Cents Loan are eligible to receive funding at half the cost of Merchant Advance Capital’s other financial products. Canadian business owners fill out an application online outlining their campaign plan, business resources and predicted impact.

For more information on what types of initiatives are considered, visit http://merchantadvance.com/the-good-cents-loan/.