RRI for Governments
Since 1985, Community Futures have been a "boots on the ground" first responder for BC businesses facing industry and economic disruption. We understand that entrepreneurs and businesses have distinct needs that require immediate attention. With our help, communities across BC have been able to leverage recovery funds from government, save jobs, and move towards economic recovery.
RRI Services
CFBC is a pre-qualified economic recovery service provider through the Ministry’s Community Recovery Branch Corporate Supply Arrangement.
RRI activities are led by CFBC's Economic Quick Response & Recovery Team (EQRRT), which supports governments in coordinating swift, effective economic recovery efforts for rural BC businesses. We provide:
- Economic Disaster Response & Recovery (EDRR) management
- Fund disbursement from government to business
- Economic emergency leadership and advising
- Direct-to-business disaster relief & recovery services
- Business resiliency services for entrepreneurs
The EQRRT can be quickly activated to initiate a community-led economic recovery, offering communication, direction, and support for businesses.
Ready to Explore More?
Read Our Economic Disaster Response & Recovery Management (EDRRM) Model
Why Work with Community Futures?
Since 1985, our member offices have led complex response and recovery efforts for businesses in rural and remote BC. Our trusted, community-integrated approach works by combining best practices with quick, effective fund disbursement. We are:
- Experienced in economic response and recovery
- Located in 34 rural and remote BC communities
- Trusted by businesses
- Committed to long-term support beyond recovery
Together with governments and partners, we show entrepreneurs their communities have a plan and are acting swiftly to provide support.
Our Portfolio
2021 Fraser Valley Atmospheric River Disaster
Partners: The Abbotsford Foundation, University of the Fraser Valley, Tourism Abbotsford, Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
In response to the $675 million in insured damages from the Fraser Valley disaster, Community Futures partnered with The Abbotsford Foundation, University of the Fraser Valley, Tourism Abbotsford, and the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. We reviewed over 200 business relief grant applications and disbursed $650,000 in grants to support local businesses.
2021 Lytton Wildfire Disaster
Partners: 35 members of the Lytton Unmet Needs Committee
After the wildfire that devastated 90% of Lytton, Community Futures quickly took action. Working with our partners, we interviewed entrepreneurs, created a Needs Assessment report, and established a Business Incubator within the Resiliency Centre. We secured funding for key positions, including a Business Incubator employee and two Business Liaisons, and met monthly with businesses in partnership with the Province of BC to provide business plan and funding program assistance.
2020/21 COVID-19 Pandemic
Partners: All levels of government
The federal government designated Community Futures British Columbia as the exclusive organization to deliver the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. All 34 BC offices provided repayable loans to businesses ineligible for federal assistance. With support from government partners, we disbursed $72.3 million, saved 4,869 jobs, and assisted 2,338 businesses.
A Story of Building Back
Video Credit: The Government of British Columbia’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
2018 Grand Forks Flood
Partners: The Province of British Columbia, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, City of Grand Forks, Red Cross, BC Economic Development Association
The immediate economic impact of the event was estimated at $26 million, with a projected $12 million moving forward. The crisis led to 188 layoffs, resulting in $2.4 million in lost wages. Within days, Community Futures mobilized economic development teams across the province to assess business impacts. As a result, $3.5 million was allocated by the province for revitalization projects, and $2.9 million for direct support to businesses. In total, Community Futures and partners accessed $2.9 million to stabilize the region's economy, assisting 2,245 businesses.
2017 BC Interior Wildfires
Partners: Multiple municipal and regional governments, the Government of British Columbia, Red Cross, Western Development, Northern Development Economic Trust
Since 2010, five of BC's worst fire seasons have occurred, with the 2017 fires burning 1.2 million hectares and causing $649 million in damages. Community Futures leveraged $3.16 million in funding from partners and assisted 4,390 businesses in the aftermath.
