Established by the federal government in 1985, the Community Futures Program was created to drive economic development at the community level. Unlike traditional economic development initiatives, Community Futures takes a grassroots approach—offering tailored support to rural and remote communities across Canada.

Through CFBC and its members, communities and businesses can access:

• Community development project management and partnerships
• Strategic economic advising and planning
• Loans and financing for businesses and non-profits supporting local economic growth

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Housing Initiatives

Workforce Housing Project

Community Futures North Okanagan is leading a workforce housing project to support the region’s first family medicine residency program, addressing a critical doctor shortage affecting over 20,000 residents. In partnership with AIM Development, Murphy's Landing Workforve housing Project provides housing for incoming medical residents, creating a sustainable path to retain family doctors in the community.

Healthcare Initiatives

Alberni Valley Healthcare Fund Society

Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot is working with local physicians to establish the Alberni Valley Medical Centre in Port Alberni, a multidisciplinary facility that will house up to 10 family physicians and specialists. The centre will also offer on-site pharmacy and lab services, improving healthcare access for local residents.

Vernon Community Health Clinic

Community Futures North Okanagan is in the development stage of a new health clinic in Vernon to address the shortage of family doctors, impacting 20,000 residents. The clinic aims to provide primary care services and reduce strain on emergency departments.

Food Security Initiatives

The Okanagan Food and Innovation Hub (OFIH)

Community Futures was instrumental in making the Okanagan Food and Innovation Hub (OFIH) a reality. This collaborative initiative connects agri-food businesses, research institutions, and local and First Nations governments to grow the regional food economy. With a commercial kitchen, specialized equipment, and support services, OFIH helps local farmers and entrepreneurs develop, commercialize, and scale their food products.

Kwesetlken Market

Kwesetlken is a vibrant outdoor market dedicated to supporting Indigenous businesses by providing opportunities for vendors, artisans, farmers, harvesters, and the tourism sector to showcase and sell their products. It connected businesses with food processing facilities, and cultivated a sense of community belonging. The project emphasized the importance of a sustainable, healthy food system and supply chain, particularly in the wake of challenges like COVID-19, wildfires, and flooding. Community Futures assisted 284 SMEs (143 Indigenous) and created or maintained 326 jobs.

Workforce Shortage Initiatives

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

The RNIP is a community-driven initiative designed to attract skilled permanent residents to rural areas by connecting them with local employers facing labor shortages. In the North Okanagan, Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO) administers the RNIP in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, with funding from both federal and provincial governments. This program aims to bolster the local workforce and address critical labor needs in the region.

Collaborative Workspace Initiatives

North Okanagan Innovation Centre and Maker Space

The North Okanagan Innovation Centre and Maker Space, opened in September 2020, connects community assets to foster youth innovation, succession planning, and women in tech. The center has supported existing businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs, providing training and business assistance to youth, Indigenous entrepreneurs, and clients with disabilities. By facilitating collaboration and commercialization, the project has helped 582 entrepreneurs and trained 340 participants, contributing to the growth of the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Ground Floor Coworking Space

Community Futures created Ground Floor, collaborative workspace for independent professionals, small businesses, and nonprofits. The facility offers modern amenities like private offices, open-concept workspaces, meeting rooms, and a sound booth, fostering a community of entrepreneurs. By offering 24/7 access, networking opportunities, and workshops, Ground Floor supports business growth and innovation in the Vernon region.

Initiatives Supporting Business Attraction & Retention

BC Business Match

The BC Business Match program from CFBC connects entrepreneurs with business opportunities across British Columbia to keep businesses operating and prevent closures when owners move on. It facilitates matchmaking between buyers, sellers, and investors, supporting business transitions and economic growth, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities.

Business Attraction Website

Community Futures developed ChoosePortAlberni.ca, a Business Attraction and Retention website to showcase the Alberni Valley as a great place to invest, start, and grow a business. By providing key resources, insights, and connections, we help drive economic development and support a thriving local economy.

Economic Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery

CFBC’s Rural Resiliency Initiative provides disaster relief and recovery services for rural BC entrepreneurs, along with ongoing business resiliency support for BC businesses. We collaborate with community developers, governments and emergency managers to deliver tailored response and recovery solutions for businesses in rural and remote communities. We are uniquely positioned to quickly take action because we are already established in 34 offices throughout BC's rural communities.