The physical planning of a marine fuel business, the negotiation of location, and the ensuring of regulatory compliance to build and open a marine service station is not without its challenges, but was something that Doug and Sandi Smith were able to accomplish largely on their own. Securing the necessary financing for the project was something entirely different; without ownership of any land from which the business was to be operated, traditional lending institutions would not help.
Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot was not only willing to look at the venture based on the business plan and past proven ability to operate a marine service station, but also understood that the proposed business was a much-needed service currently lacking within the community. Community Futures worked with other non-traditional lenders to secure the total amount of financing required. “It is without question that we could not have built our business, in both the physical construction and financial growth senses, without the support of Community Futures,” said Doug and Sandi Smith.
