How to identify suitable funding with CCI Cantal?

At a glance

CCI Cantal offers financial support for entrepreneurs, business founders, people taking over a business, and executives looking to grow. Its "Finances" page states that its advisors help check eligibility for public and private grants, put together applications, and identify funding providers. It cites in particular Bpifrance, Réseau Entreprendre, microcredit organizations, investment funds, business angels, European programs and crowdfunding. These players are possible partners, not funders guaranteed for every application.

Role and services

CCI Cantal presents several tailored services, including "Zero-Interest Loan," "Take Stock," "Allo CCI?" and "How Is My Business Doing?". The zero-interest loan is presented as free support to help start, take over or grow a business; the detailed page must be opened to identify the lending organization, the criteria, the amount and the repayment terms before classifying it as a financial instrument. "Take Stock" is a support service for businesses facing difficulties, while the other services provide a listening ear or a diagnostic.

Schemes and levers

For project leaders, the "Structuring a Start-up or Business Transfer Project" program is co-financed by the Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the ESF (European Social Fund) and the CCIs. It targets in particular projects where the activity is defined, the market elements identified, and the launch planned within a horizon of about six months. The CCI also offers "10 Keys to Starting a Business," a free group session lasting about two to three hours that presents the steps of starting up or taking over a business, financial questions and support networks.

Preparing the application

A solid application includes a project description, a line-by-line budget, quotes, recent accounts, a financial forecast and a financing plan. For a business transfer, add the identified target, the price, the contribution and the timeline. For a grant application, identify the operator and check the eligible expenses, the cap, the rules on combining grants and the date expenses can start. In the event of difficulties, prepare the cash position, short-term debts and correspondence with creditors.

Capital OS caution

For Capital OS, do not confuse free advisory services, any zero-interest loan, and external funding. The name of a service is not enough to confirm that it is a loan awarded by the CCI. The terms and the funder of the scheme must be extracted from the detailed page before publication.

Index

Finance and funding-provider search; "Zero-Interest Loan" (lending organization and conditions to be verified); "Take Stock"; "Allo CCI?"; "How Is My Business Doing?"; "Structuring a Start-up or Business Transfer Project"; "10 Keys to Starting a Business"; referrals to Bpifrance, Réseau Entreprendre, microcredit, investment funds, business angels and European programs.