New Services for Rural BC Entrepreneurs through myCommunityFutures

Mission, BC, February 15th, 2024: Community Futures British Columbia (CFBC) has launched a new brand and website for rural BC to access services as part of CFBC’s Disaster Response & Economic Adjustment Initiative (DREAI), which is being funded through a $5.5M contribution from Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). Formerly Taking Care of Business, the myCommunityFutures (myCF) program is for businesses, startups and not-for-profits affected by economic challenges such as those resulting from natural disasters or closures of a community’s mill or mine. myCommunityFutures provides access to free workshops, free peer masterminds, and free consulting services throughout most parts of the province. Select businesses and not-for-profits can also apply for a $5,000 Professional Development Reimbursement.

“The launch of myCommunityFutures (myCF) demonstrates Community Futures’ commitment to supporting B.C.’s rural communities in the face of economic challenges, including those from climate-related disasters, “ said the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan,  Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan).”The businesses that call these communities home are driving our economy, supporting families and creating jobs. Through this initiative, PacifiCan is partnering with CFBC to support a stronger, more resilient economy.”

“We focus on capacity building and skill development so that businesses can quickly restore operations after a disaster, and continue to grow to meet the challenges of our competitive business environment” said Wendy McCulloch, Executive Director of Community Futures Development British Columbia. 

Since its inception, 3,220 businesses, startups and not-for-profits have accessed DREAI services. As of Fall 2023, DREAI eligibility expanded to include businesses, startups and not-for-profits located in the Community Futures regions of North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, Shuswap, Alberni-Clayoquot and Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation.

Businesses, startups and not-for-profits located outside of eligible areas, such as Vancouver and Victoria, can access myCommunityFutures on a fee-for-service basis.

For more information visit www.communityfutures.ca and myCommunityFuturesBC.ca

DREAI services areas are:

Community Futures 16/37 – office in Terrace 
Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot - office in Port Alberni
Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin – office in Williams Lake
Community Futures Central Interior First Nations – office in Kamloops
Community Futures Central Okanagan - office in Kelowna
Community Futures North Okanagan - office in Vernon
Community Futures Fraser Fort George – office in Prince George
Community Futures Haida Gwaii – office in Masset  
Community Futures Nadina – office in Houston
Community Futures Nicola Valley – office in Merrit
Community Futures North Cariboo – office in Quesnel
Community Futures North Fraser – office in Mission
Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen – office in Penticton
Community Futures Pacific Northwest – office in Prince Rupert
Community Futures Peace Liard – office in Dawson Creek 
Community Futures Shuswap - office in Salmon Arm
Community Futures South Fraser – office in Chilliwack  
Community Futures Sto:lo – office in Chilliwack
Community Futures Stuart Nechako – office in Vanderhoof  
Community Futures Sun Country – office in Ashcroft
Community Futures Thompson Country – office in Kamloops 
Nuu-chah-Nulth Economic Development Corporation - office in Port Alberni

For More Information:

Media Contact: Lori Camire
Executive Director, Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot
250-724-1241, lori@cfac.ca

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MARCH 2023
Help Available for Rural Businesses Impacted by Economic Downturns, Thanks to $5.5 Million in Funding from the Federal Government.

“The PacifiCan funding announced today ensures that Community Futures British Columbia can equip businesses with the tools they need to recover from recent disasters, build resiliency, and prepare themselves to address climate challenges well into the future.” - The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency

 “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies. When they are in trouble, our communities are in trouble. We are pleased to be working in partnership with PacifiCan to provide the support and assistance that our small businesses so desperately require to recover from the series of disasters that have impacted our communities over the past five years.” - Wendy McCulloch, Executive Director, Community Futures Development Association of BC

SEPTEMBER 2022
Government of Canada announces funding for disaster recovery in British Columbis
https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2022/09/government-of-canada-announces-funding-for-disaster-recovery-in-british-columbia.html