"Get to know Community Futures" is part of CFBC’s celebration of 40 years in British Columbia! General Manager of CF Sunshine Coast, Morgan Beall, shares why he got involved with CF and how his team serves clients and communities throughout the Sunshine Coast including, Sechelt, Egmont, Garden Bay, Gibsons, Halfmoon Bay, and others.
How many staff does your CF have?
3
How many volunteers does your CF have?
9
What brought you to CF as a General Manager?
A belief that traditional financial institutions often fall short when it comes to meeting the real needs of entrepreneurs—especially those in rural communities. Community Futures does what others can’t: it understands the unique challenges and opportunities here, and truly supports local businesses in a meaningful way. That mission resonated with me, and it’s why I wanted to be part of this organization.
What services, projects, or initiatives does your office offer directly?
- Loans
- Self-employment Program
- Workshops or Webinars
- Consulting, Coaching, or Advising
- Community Development
- Grants
What are you most proud of about how your office supports your community?
I’m most proud of our office’s progressive and open approach to community economic development (CED). We’re always looking for new, creative ways to support local initiatives, whether that means adapting our services to meet emerging needs or partnering with others to create impactful programs. Our focus is on building a resilient community by empowering entrepreneurs and creating opportunities that benefit everyone. It’s this forward-thinking mindset that makes our work truly meaningful.
What is a memorable client moment for you?
One of the most memorable client stories for me is the West Coast Wilderness Lodge. This was one of the syndicated deals that we led, and it was truly an ambitious undertaking—one that simply wouldn’t have been possible without Community Futures stepping in to finance it. At the time, traditional financial institutions weren’t willing to take the risk. Today, the West Coast Wilderness Lodge has become a celebrated destination on the coast, drawing visitors from all over. What’s most rewarding is seeing them reach a point where they’ve transitioned to traditional financing, which was always our ultimate goal. It’s a perfect example of how our support can bridge the gap for entrepreneurs, helping them grow, create opportunities, and eventually become fully bankable. It’s a success story that embodies everything we aim to achieve.
What might surprise people to know about your office?
Just how personal our approach is. We’re not a typical office with rigid processes; we’re deeply invested in each individual who comes to us for support. Every entrepreneur’s journey is unique, and we take the time to understand their dreams, challenges, and goals to tailor our support accordingly. We’re more than just a financial resource—we’re community builders. Beyond funding, we offer mentorship, guidance, and a true partnership that helps local businesses flourish. We work tirelessly behind the scenes, collaborating with other community organizations and strategic partners to foster an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed. Our passion lies in seeing our community grow and thrive, one business at a time.
What's on the horizon in your CF that excites you?
I'm particularly excited about our upcoming loan initiatives. Each new loan represents a unique opportunity to support local entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and contribute to the economic growth of our community. By providing tailored financial solutions, we empower businesses to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, which in turn strengthens the overall economic resilience of our region. It's inspiring to see how our efforts can make a tangible difference in the lives of entrepreneurs and the vitality of our community.
What do you think are the greatest strengths of CF as an organization/network?
One of the greatest strengths of Community Futures is its deep connection to the communities we serve. We have a unique ability to understand the needs and challenges of rural entrepreneurs because we’re right there, living and working alongside them. This local perspective allows us to offer customized support that goes beyond traditional financing—whether it’s mentorship, business training, or connecting people to the right resources and networks. Another strength is the collaborative nature of the CF network. Each office may be local, but we’re all interconnected, sharing insights, best practices, and resources across the country. This creates a powerful web of support, amplifying the impact we can make in our communities. We’re also incredibly fortunate to have boards and volunteers made up of experts from a wide range of industries. Their experience and dedication are invaluable, providing strategic direction and mentorship that helps our clients grow and succeed. Together, we’re not just providing loans; we’re building resilient, sustainable communities by nurturing the growth of small businesses and helping them overcome obstacles.
What do you wish more people knew about CF as an organization?
Community Futures is so much more than just loans. While financing is an important part of what we do, our support goes far beyond that. We offer mentorship, business training, and personalized guidance to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting or growing a business. We’re here to be a partner in every sense—providing the resources, tools, and expertise that help local businesses thrive and contribute to our community's success.
What motivates you to stay on with Community Futures?
The value of committing to something over the long term. By staying with Community Futures, I get to see the bigger picture—identifying gaps in our community and understanding where we can make the most impact. It’s only after truly understanding how our community works that we can start finding new opportunities for support. I love that we’re not just a standalone organization; we’re an integral part of a network of strategic partners all working towards a common goal of strengthening our community.
Is there anything else you'd like to say about your office for the CFBC anniversary?
As we celebrate this milestone, I’d like to acknowledge the dedication of our team and volunteers who make everything we do possible. Our office is built on a foundation of passion and commitment to our community. Every day, we work to empower local entrepreneurs, fostering the kind of growth that not only strengthens individual businesses but also contributes to the overall resilience of our region. We’re honoured to be part of the Community Futures network, and we’re proud of the impact we’ve had in shaping the economic landscape here. Looking forward, we’re excited to continue this journey—supporting, mentoring, and financing the dreamers and doers who make our community vibrant and diverse. It’s truly a privilege to be part of such meaningful work, and we’re grateful for the trust our community places in us. Here’s to many more years of partnership and progress!
Connect with this Office
Website: CommunityFutures.org
