Discover a range of services designed for non-profits that run revenue-generating enterprises, such as social enterprises, gift shops, or ticket booths. Strengthen your organization, build resilience, and explore new market opportunities with our support. As a non-profit ourselves, we understand your challenges and are here to help.

Access expert business support directly from CFBC or your nearest Community Futures office.

Business Planning

Service Provider: Community Futures BC

Cost: Free

If you’re applying for a loan through a CFBC member office—whether for your organization, business, or a social enterprise run by your non-profit—you’ll need to provide a Business Plan and Cash Flow statement.

• Business Plan Template (automatic download in MS Word)

• Cash Flow Template (automatic download in MS Excel)

Buying a Business to Operate a Social Enterprise

Service Provider: Venture Connect, a Community Futures Social Enterprise

Cost: Free - Varies

Learn how to buy a business, assess its listed value, and access resources, workbooks, specialized services, and expert advice to guide you through the process of buying a business.

Majority of services FREE OF CHARGE until March 2026 for businesses located within the service area of a Community Futures office in BC. Browse business listings and receive an initial consultation at no cost.

CFBC Newsletter

Service Provider: CFBC

Cost: Free

Each month, we publish a newsletter featuring the latest news, tools, and resources from CFBC, our members, and trusted partners. Stay informed with skill development opportunities, resiliency resources, and a curated roundup of funding opportunities.

Emergency Planning, Response & Recovery Resources

Service Provider: Community Futures BC

Cost: Free

Our Rural Resiliency Initiative equips businesses and social enterprises with tools, resources and guidance to strengthen their operations and be in a better position to recover quickly from economic disasters. Many of our resources can be applied to a non-profit environment.

Exporting Goods or Services

Service Provider: Community Futures BC

Cost: Free

Through our Export Navigator program, businesses operated as social enterprises across BC can access expert guidance on expanding into new regional, provincial and international markets.

Apply to assess your export readiness, and if approved, you'll be connected with a regional Export Advisor specializing in Canada’s export process.

Financing & Loans

Service Provider: Your Nearest Community Futures office

Cost: Free to Apply

Loans are available exclusively through our member offices, with no cost to apply. Use our Office Finder Tool or search by region to find your nearest office—rates and terms vary. Loans can support business expansion, acquisitions, equipment purchases, or social enterprises, with applications assessed using Community Futures' "5 C’s of Lending" and local volunteer committees.

Indigenous-Owned Social Enterprises

Service Provider: 4 of our Member offices

Cost: Free

Access specialized supports, financing, educational opportunities, and more. Services are exclusively provided by four Community Futures offices dedicated to Indigenous-owned social enterprises across BC:

• Haida Gwaii Community Futures (Masset)
• Community Futures Central Interior First Nations (Kamloops)
• Stó:lō Community Futures (Chilliwack)
• Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (Port Alberni – Tseshaht First Nation)

Workshops, Webinars & Consulting

Service Provider: Community Futures BC

Cost: Free*

Strengthen your skills and build a more resilient non-profit or social enterprise with expert-led online learning and 1-on-1 consulting on finance, marketing, human resources, strategic planning, and more!

Start by creating an account at myCommunityFutures.

*Consulting is free for BC-based non-profit organizations located in any Community Futures services area.
Online learning is free in select Community Futures service areas only. Additional conditions apply for Consulting.