To be eligible for the EEG loan from the EEG's Youth Strategy Program the following requirements must be met:

• The promoter must be between the ages of 18-35

• The promoter must be Cree & Beneficiary under James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement

• The project must be realized in the Cree Territory

• The project is supported by a Band Council Resolution or by an Agreement in principle with the Local Band

• The promoter must provide a Guarantee on the Loan

• The promoter must submit a full business plan

• Environmental Assessment Approval (if required)

• Partnership loan or Joint Venture Agreement (if required)

• EEg's General Investment Fund is available to Cree promoters. Non-Cree promoters may be eligible to apply for funding through EEG's funding partners

Completing a Loan Request:

• Check the submissions calendar to find out the deadline for the next date of submission

• Obtain a copy of the Application for Financial Assistance form. This form is available by contacting the head office or on-line (see link at the bottom of this page)

• Fill out the application form

• Carefully review your application form to make sure you have completed all the required information fields

• Verify what additional documents may be required to support your loan application and include them with your loan package

• Make a photocopy of your completed application form and all accompanying documents. This way you will have a complete record of your submission that you can keep on file in your home or office

• Before placing your application into the envelope, go through the checklist (included on the last page of your application form) to verify that you have included all the required documents

• Submit the completed application form and all accompanying documents to the head office of the EEG either in person or by mail

• If you send the Application form by mail wait seven (7) working days and then call our head office to confirm that we have received your application.

Some of the things we consider are:

• Is there a real market for your product or service?
• Have you considered the risks involved in the type of business you are proposing? (every business venture has risks, what we need to know is that you know exactly what those risks are and have a plan to deal with them).
• Do you have the necessary skills to operate the type of business you are proposing or do you have partners or other personnel who can do the things that you cannot?
• Are you able to secure all the necessary capital (money) to fully realize your business objectives?

Like any lending institution we look for business ideas that are sound and viable. Unlike many lending institutions, however, we will take the time to help guide you through the early stages of business planning. Proper planning is a critical step towards creating a successful business. We can't do the research for you, but we can help you narrow down your search by providing a list of resources relevant to your specific needs.

As a start we recommend that you visit our Business Development Kit where you will find a number of helpful tools and tips on business planning and marketing as well as a list of resources specific to business development.

Financial Support Available

EEG provides financial support in the form of a personal loan. The specifications of the loan agreement are as follows:

• Minimum of $5000 to a maximum of $25,000
• Interest-free loan for 24 months
• Possibility of two entrepreneurs benefitting from a loan for the same project/business

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the EEG's Youth Strategy Loan Program the following requirements must be met.

• The promoter must be between the ages of 18-39
• The promoter must be Cree & Beneficiary under James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement
• The project must be realized in the Cree Territory
• The project is supported by a Band Council Resolution or by an Agreement in principle with the Local Band
• The promoter must provide a Guarantee on the Loan
• The promoter must submit a full business plan

For more information on the youth program contact Darius Happyjack

Once you sign the loan agreement contract you are responsible for paying back the debt, and although the EEG cannot simply forfeit a loan whenever a problem arises, if we know that a problem exists, we will do our best to redirect and help find a solution that will hopefully get you and your business over the hump.

We can't guarantee that we will always have the perfect solution but if we work together, there is a better chance that we will come to a resolution that will best meet the needs of everyone involved.

Remember, EEG is a part of our community and we are committed to the successful development of your business endeavor.