Telling Our Story: CF Peace Liard

"Telling our Story" is part of CFBC’s celebration of 40 years in British Columbia! General Manager of CF Peace Liard, Moira Green, shares why she got involved with CF and how her team serves clients and communities throughout Northeast British Columbia, including Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Fort St John, Blueberry First Nation, West Moberly First Nation, and many more communities in the area.

How many staff does your CF have?

Five

How many volunteers does your CF have?

Board 6, Loans Committee 4-6

What brought you to CF as a General Manager?

My background spans local government, banking, and the non-profit sector, all of which have shaped my approach to community development and supporting local businesses. In local government, I learned the importance of policy in fostering growth, while banking gave me insight into financial structures and the vital role of capital. The non-profit sector honed my skills in stakeholder relations and project management. I was drawn to Community Futures because it offers a unique blend of financial support and business development, which aligns with my passion for helping businesses thrive long-term. I wanted to make a tangible impact by providing more than just funding—offering mentorship and connecting businesses with resources to drive sustainable growth. The Peace Liard region holds a special place for me, and I’m excited to work directly with local businesses, helping them navigate challenges and plan for the future. As General Manager, I’m proud to lead an organization that shares my values of community-building, economic growth, and empowerment, and I look forward to continuing our work to create lasting positive change.

What services, projects, or initiatives does your office offer directly?

• Loans
• Micro-loans
• Self-employment Program
• Workshops or Webinars
• Consulting, Coaching, or Advising
• Community Development
• 4H

What are you most proud of about how your office supports your community?

I’m incredibly proud of how Community Futures Peace Liard has built and strengthened connections throughout the region. The focus on creating personalized, one-on-one relationships with local businesses and community members, allows the staff to provide tailored support for each community’s unique needs. The Self-Employment Program empowers individuals to transition into self-employment by providing business plan assistance, mentorship, and funding. What I’m most proud of is that, even after program completion, staff continue to support entrepreneurs through regular check-ins. This ongoing guidance helps them overcome challenges, refine their strategies, and connect to additional resources and funding, ensuring their long-term success and business growth. Another key program is our Regional Business Liaison Program, which connects businesses with essential resources, funding, and expertise. Whether it’s helping them access government programs, explore growth opportunities, or connect with other businesses, this program ensures they have the support they need at every stage of their journey. The team also makes it a priority to stay connected with businesses by regularly reaching out to those in our database and those holding business licenses. Every year, we conduct phone calls to check in, offer updates on new funding opportunities, and make sure businesses know they have a trusted partner in us. These calls also help foster stronger relationships and deeper trust within the community. Community Futures Peace Liard social media presence plays a vital role in keeping the community informed about local, regional, provincial, and federal funding, programs, and events. By sharing relevant business resources and information, we can ensure that our community is well-equipped with the knowledge they need to succeed. Through these connections—whether it’s through direct outreach, key programs, or online engagement—I’m proud of how we help businesses thrive and contribute to the growth and resilience of the Peace Liard region.

What is a memorable client moment for you? 

Western Steakhouse by Brew 242 Ltd. Tumbler Ridge, BC Founded in 2020 by Bryce Kirby, Western Steakhouse by Brew 242 Ltd. is a testament to dedication and hard work. Bryce's entrepreneurial journey began when she enrolled in the Work BC Self-Employment Program through Community Futures. This 48-week program provided a mix of workshops, personalized guidance, and ongoing mentorship from a Business Analyst, which ultimately led to the successful launch of her business. A key benefit of the Self-Employment Program was its allowance to collect Employment Insurance (EI) benefits during the first 18 months of operation. This was crucial during the early stages when it would have been impossible to pay herself a wage or salary. This financial support gave Bryce the breathing room she needed to focus on growing her business without the added pressure of managing personal finances in those challenging first months. In 2021, Bryce secured critical startup funding through the Community Futures loan program. This support helped cover the operational costs necessary to keep the restaurant running in its early stages. As the business grew, Community Futures remained an invaluable partner, offering regular business reviews, providing insights into available programs, and ensuring access to relevant funding opportunities. Bryce has especially appreciated the proactive outreach from Community Futures, which was instrumental during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. When the team offered interest-only payment options, Bryce found the gesture to be both "extremely welcomed" and "a huge relief" at a difficult time. A key part of the ongoing support has been Bryce’s participation in the MyCF program, which provides access to online workshops. The flexible nature of these workshops has allowed Bryce to enhance her marketing strategy, navigate important regulatory frameworks like the Employment Standards Act, and further develop the operational skills necessary for long-term business success. Above all, the continued partnership with Community Futures has proven vital. Regular check-ins, targeted resources, and ongoing guidance help ensure that Bryce is equipped with the tools and knowledge to continue growing Western Steakhouse into a cornerstone of Tumbler Ridge’s dining community.

What might surprise people to know about your office? What else would you like people to know about what you do and who you are?

What might surprise people is how we manage to build strong, personalized relationships with businesses despite the vast size of the region and the diversity of communities we serve. Our region spans 150,000 square kilometers—about the size of Greece—stretching from the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) in the south to the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM), and all the way north to the Yukon border. This large and diverse region presents unique challenges, but it also gives the team the opportunity to provide tailored support to businesses, no matter how remote or spread out they may be. CFPL is a trusted partner in helping businesses thrive, offering more than just funding by providing mentorship, resources, and long-term support. Community Futures Peace Liard is deeply invested in the economic future of the entire region.

1. Beyond Loans – Holistic Support: CFPL goes beyond loans by providing one-on-one mentorship, in-depth business reviews, and connecting entrepreneurs to valuable local and regional networks, fostering long-term growth and success.
2. Programs for Every Business Stage: CFPL offers tailored programs for businesses at all stages of development, from startup advice to market diversification. The MyCF program, for example, provides flexible online workshops that are accessible to entrepreneurs regardless of their location.
3. Proactive Support in Tough Times: The team provided proactive support to businesses, particularly in times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses were offered options of interest-only payments to help businesses in our vast region stay afloat and recover during challenging times.
4. Local Expertise: CFPL’s staff has in-depth knowledge of the Peace Liard region, including the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and the Peace River Regional District, which allows for practical, region-specific advice. The team understands the unique challenges of rural and remote businesses, from seasonal fluctuations to local economic trends, using that knowledge to guide businesses through local opportunities and obstacles.
5. Long-Term Partnerships: At CFPL, staff build ongoing relationships with businesses, offering continuous support, checking in regularly, and connecting them to resources that help ensure long-term success, no matter where they are in the region.
6. Community Focus: CFPL is actively committed to fostering sustainable local economic growth across the vast Peace Liard region. By helping businesses grow, CFPL contributes to job creation, innovation, and community resilience, which strengthens the region.

What's on the horizon in your CF that excites you? Or for the CF organization as a whole?

There’s a lot happening at CFPL that promises to benefit businesses and communities across the Peace Liard region. CFPL’s commitment is to drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the Peace Liard region, local businesses have new opportunities to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

1. Access to More Diverse Funding Options CFPL connects businesses with a variety of funding sources beyond traditional loans, including grants for social enterprises and projects focused on economic recovery. This broader access to capital is vital for businesses looking to grow in the region.
2. Collaborating with Regional Partners to Address Immigration Needs CFPL works closely with local partners, including governments and organizations, to support immigration initiatives that address labour shortages in the region. Through programs like the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, CFPL helps businesses attract skilled workers and build diverse, sustainable workforces to meet local needs.
3. Economic Development through Emerging Industries, including LNG CFPL is actively supporting businesses in the Peace Liard region to tap into emerging industries, particularly the rapidly growing LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) sector. As LNG projects expand, the demand for local services and infrastructure is increasing, providing opportunities for businesses in sectors like construction, transportation, equipment supply, and environmental services. CFPL is helping local entrepreneurs and businesses access these opportunities, providing support for capacity-building, job creation, and fostering partnerships with major LNG developers.
4. Continued Collaboration and Community Impact CFPL continues to work closely with local governments, organizations, and other Community Futures offices to strengthen the region’s economy. This collaboration ensures sustainable growth and resilience in the face of economic challenges.
5. Building Resilient and Inclusive Local Economies CFPL’s work is crucial in making Peace Liard’s economy more resilient and inclusive. By helping local businesses diversify and grow, CFPL is contributing to a stronger, more sustainable economic future for all residents.

What do you think are the greatest strengths of CF as an organization/network?

1.  Local Expertise and Collaborative Network: CFPL has deep ties to rural communities and a strong understanding of regional needs. Our staff’s in-depth knowledge of the Peace Liard region, combined with our ability to connect businesses with a broad network of resources, expertise, and funding partners, allows us to provide practical, region-specific advice that helps businesses navigate unique challenges and succeed long-term.
2. Holistic Support: CFPL goes beyond just offering loans. We provide mentorship, business reviews, and connect entrepreneurs to local and regional networks. The comprehensive approach ensures that businesses receive the long-term support they need to grow and thrive.
3. Diverse Programs: We offer tailored programs for businesses at every stage of development, from start-up advice to market diversification. Our MyCF program, for example, provides flexible online workshops that entrepreneurs can access at their convenience, ensuring they always have access to the tools they need for success.
4. Funding and Partnerships: CFPL’s impact is strengthened by strong relationships with funding partners and local collaborations. We are grateful for the support of South Peace Mackenzie Trust, PacificCan, the Province of British Columbia, and Canada, which enables us to provide essential services to businesses. Ongoing partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, local governments, Northern Development Initiative Trust, sector agencies like Northern Lights College, and Indigenous communities are crucial in driving economic growth and regional vitality. These collaborations allow CFPL to make a real, lasting impact on businesses across the Peace Liard region.

What do you wish more people knew about CF as an organization?

We are more than just a funding agency. We offer personalized, ongoing support to help businesses grow long-term. Whether it’s mentoring, connecting to resources, or providing tailored programs, we’re dedicated to the success of entrepreneurs and the resilience of local communities.

What motivates you to stay on with Community Futures?

The opportunity to make a real difference in local communities, helping businesses succeed and contributing to regional economic growth. The supportive, collaborative environment and the chance to work on meaningful, diverse projects keep me engaged and passionate about the work we do.

Is there anything else you'd like to say about your office for the CFBC anniversary?

We are proud to be part of a network that has empowered entrepreneurs and strengthened communities across the province. For four decades, CFBC has been dedicated to supporting small businesses, driving economic development, and creating lasting change in rural and remote areas. This commitment has had a transformative impact on local economies, fostering resilience and growth. Community Futures Peace Liard is excited to continue this important work, building on the legacy of CFBC to create even more opportunities for success in the years to come.

Connect with this Office

Website: CommunityFuturesPeaceLiard.com