This report examines actual or perceived gaps that have occurred as a result of bank closures and the impact on lending and financial services to the SME sector in the Atlantic region.

For further information, contact:
Jean-Guy Poirier
Manager, Business Development Program
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(506) 851-3772
Fax (506) 851-7403
Blue Cross Centre
644 Main Street
P.O. Box 6051
Moncton N.B.
Canada EIC 9J8

The Changing Banking Environment... (PDF: 70kb / 23 pages)

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Summary of Observations and Considerations for ACOA

3.0 Bank Closures and Rationalization of Services

4.0 Views of the Chartered Banking Community

5.0 Views of the Credit Union Community

6.0 Views of SME (Small Business) Owners

7.0 SME Financing Market Share

8.0 Sample of Communities Affected by Bank Closures

9.0 General Observations

10.0 Considerations for ACOA and the CBDC Network

EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1 – Top 5 Chartered Bank Locations and Closures In Atlantic Canada

Exhibit 2 – Quotes and Comments by SME Owners

Exhibit 3 – Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program Lending In Atlantic Canada for the Year 2001

Exhibit 4 – List of Key Contacts and Interview Informants