Startups & Businesses
Community Futures provides support for entrepreneurs at every stage, whether you're building a business from the ground up or growing an established business. Minimize the risks of business ownership by equipping yourself with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.
Programs, Services, Funding & Resources
Accessible, Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Service Provider: Community Futures BC
Cost: Free
We offer supports to aspiring and current entrepreneurs who face barriers, helping them start, grow, and succeed in business.
Current Programs
- PRIDE in Entrepreneurship Program for persons who are 2SLGBTQIA+
- Entrepreneurs With Disabilities Program
- Pathways to Entrepreneurship program for Indigenous youth
- Neurodivergent Entrepreneurship Initiative
Supports vary by program and may include business planning assistance, specialized training, 1-on-1 coaching, and access to financial resources.
AI-Powered Tools
Service Provider: CF British Columbia
Cost: Free
CFBC's Accessible Entrepreneurship Serivices has developed the following tools for startups and established businesses:
- CF Business Builder Coach* - AI-powered, step-by-step guide covering 10 modules to building a stronger business
- Brenda - Your Digital Marketing Strategist in a Chat* - AI assistant to develop and market your brand, offering insights on branding, SEO, social media, and more.
The AI tools are educational in nature and not a substitute for professional legal, financial or tax advice. It is suggested that you do not disclose personal or sensitive business information directly into the tools.
Disclaimer
The AI tools are educational in nature and not a substitute for professional legal, financial or tax advice. Always consult qualified experts before making major business decisions.
About The Tools
These tools are built on ChatGPT. If you have a free ChatGPT account, you may experience:
•Limited daily messages or tool usage
•Slower response times during peak hours
Privacy & Security
For your safety, it is suggested that you do not disclose enter personal or sensitive information into the tools such as:
•Your name or business name
•Business registration or license numbers
•Confidential client or financial information
If you wish to include personal details for your business plan or marketing materials, it is suggested that you enter that information separately into your own Word or PDF document after exporting your work.
Business Planning Tools
Service Provider: Community Futures BC
Cost: Free
Use our tools to create a new business plan or update an existing one. Whether you're just starting out or refining your strategy, our resources will help you build a solid foundation for your business success.
- Business Plan Template (automatic download)
- Business Planning Canvas
- Money Management Resources in partnership with Credit Counselling Society
- CF Business Builder Coach* - CFBC's AI-powered, step-by-step guide covering 10 modules to building a stronger business
- Brenda - Your Digital Marketing Strategist in a Chat* - AI assistant developed by CFBC
*The AI tools are educational in nature and not a substitute for professional legal, financial or tax advice.
Buying a Business
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.
Services free of charge for B.C-based businesses until March 2026.
Business Consulting
Service Provider: Community Futures BC
Cost: Free*
Access expert business advice from a free account at myCommunityFutures. Our Consultants specialize in finance, HR, legal, marketing, growth and diversification strategies, and more. Ask about anything, we are here to help.
*Available free of charge to BC-based startups and businesses located in all Community Futures services areas. Time limits apply.
CFBC Newsletter
Service Provider: Community Futures BC
Cost: Free
Each month we publish a newsletter featuring the latest news, tools and resources from CFBC, our members and trusted partners. Stay informed about skill-development opportunities, economic resiliency resources and our curated roundup of funding opportunities.
CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative
Service Provider: Community Futures BC via Export Navigator
Cost: Free
Are you a B.C.-based business exporting to the U.S.? CCASI provides non-repayable matching contributions of up to $5,000 to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in British Columbia become compliant with the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Reimbursement Opportunity
Approved businesses will be reimbursed for 50% of the total eligible costs incurred up to a maximum reimbursement of $5,000.
Emergency Planning, Response & Recovery for Businesses
Service Provider: Community Futures BC
Cost: Free
Our Rural Resiliency Initiative equips businesses with tools, resources and guidance to strengthen their operations and prepare for economic disasters.
Exporting Goods or Services
Service Provider: Community Futures BC via Export Navigator
Cost: Free
Through our Export Navigator program, businesses across B.C. 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: Varies per office
Business 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 Entrepreneurship
Service Provider: 4 of our Member offices
Cost: Free
Access specialized business support, financing, educational opportunities, and more. Services are exclusively provided by four Community Futures offices dedicated to Indigenous entrepreneurship:
- 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)
Money Management Resources
Service Provider: Credit Counselling Society, a Community Futures BC Partner
Cost: Free
CFBC has partnered with the Credit Counselling Society to offer free money management resources: Financial education, budgeting, money management tips and more!
Selling a Business & Business Succession
Service Provider: Venture Connect, a Community Futures social enterprise
Cost: Free - Varies
Learn how to sell a business, determine its value, and access resources, workbooks, specialized services and expert advice to guide you through your exit from business.
Services free of charge for B.C-based businesses until March 2026.
Workshops & Webinars
Service Provider: Community Futures BC
Cost: Free*
Strengthen your skills and build a more resilient business with expert-led online learning about finance, marketing, human resources, strategic planning, and more!
Start by creating a free account at myCommunityFutures.
*Free to BC-based startups and businesses located in select Community Futures service areas.
Find Your Nearest Community Futures Office
Search by community name to find specialized services in your region available exclusively through our member offices.
