Aug 27,2009 (AP) – LendingTree, which allows prospective borrowers to get quick offers from multiple lenders, claims Google is about to get into the same business.

A LendingTree lawsuit against a separate technology provider claims that it has learned Google plans to launch such a service later this month or in early September. The lawsuit claims that LendingTree has received screen shots _ pictures of a computer screen _ showing a trial version of Google’s service that indicate Google will give customers loan offers and contact information for lenders.

Google Inc. issued a written statement Wednesday saying it is “working on a small ad unit test” involving a limited number of mortgage-related searches.

“We have a number of experiments going on at any one time, but we don’t speculate on future product development,” the company said.

Google has made several moves that lead it away from its core business of selling ads alongside Internet search results. Last month it altered its popular Google Maps page to highlight its real estate search tools.

Other experiments have included an operating system for mobile devices, and Google Voice, which gives people an additional phone number that’s not tied to any one phone line. Earlier this year it unveiled a PowerMeter that homeowners can use to track energy use.

A Google move into the lending referral business would be one more step away from its core business, said Rob Enderle, an analyst for the Enderle Group.

“It could represent a solid threat to LendingTree, and a distraction for Google,” Enderle said.

LendingTree, a unit of Tree.com Inc., announced the lawsuit on Wednesday, a day after it was filed in U.S. District Court in Charlotte, N.C., where the company is based.

Canadian small businesses saw a substantial boost in credit availability in the first quarter, according to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), which reported a record increase in loans.

The first quarter of 2009 saw the largest quarterly increase in loan volumes in the history of the BDC, with the total amount of accepted loans increasing 37 percent from the same period last year – a jump from $738 million in 2008 to more than $1 billion in 2009.

Canada’s largest credit union is backing away from a controversial proposal to pressure customers to agree to higher interest rates on their lines of credit.

Vancity had sent letters to 18,000 members asking them to agree allow to the credit union to hike the interest rates unilaterally on loan agreements that had already been signed.

The credit union wanted the right to raise rates by one percentage point now, plus make future adjustments without having to ask for customers’ consent. If customers did not agree, Vancity had warned, it “may take further action” on their accounts.

Now, anyone who agreed to any changes based on the proposed hike will be allowed to return to their original agreements and will be reimbursed for any additional interest.

Read more here on CBC news

Ottawa, Ontario, July 28, 2009 – Another important step was taken to renew infrastructure in Ontario and create jobs, with an announcement that Not-For-Profit organizations in Ontario interested in upgrading infrastructure can now apply for funding.

John Baird, Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister, and George Smitherman, Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, invited Not-for-Profit organizations in Ontario to submit applications by August 18, 2009.

“Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is taking action to put shovels in the ground and create jobs in communities across Ontario,” said Minister Baird. “Not-for-Profit organizations will now have the opportunity to get shovels in the ground and upgrade their local facilities.”

“With this additional stimulus funding, Ontarians will benefit from stronger communities by enjoying enhanced services, facilities and places to celebrate our cultural identity,” said Minister Smitherman. “Whether visiting a local museum, making use of employment counseling or taking advantage of an emergency shelter, this funding will improve quality of life for all Ontarians.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan established a new national $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to provide funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure projects. Ontario’s share is about $1.5 billion, which is then being matched by the Government of Ontario. This initiative is designed to flow funding quickly for shovel-ready projects – already more than $2 billion in funding has been committed in Ontario – that can be built during the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons.

BPF Capital has services available in case you need to file for these kind of grants. Please call 416.222.2909 for more details

BPF Solutions is proud to work with a unique NPO organization. BPF has formally signed a proposal with the Board of Directors of this Charitable organization which is based in Brampton, Ontario.