New Services for Rural BC Entrepreneurs through myCommunityFutures
Community Futures British Columbia
Community Futures British Columbia (CFBC) has launched a new brand and website for rural BC to access services as part of CFBC’s Disaster Response & Economic Adjustment Initiative (DREAI), which is being funded through a $5.5M contribution from Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). Formerly Taking Care of Business, the myCommunityFutures (myCF) program is for businesses, startups and not-for-profits affected by economic challenges such as those resulting from natural disasters or closures of a community’s mill or mine. myCommunityFutures provides access to free workshops, free peer masterminds, and free consulting services throughout most parts of the province. Select businesses and not-for-profits can also apply for a $5,000 Professional Development Reimbursement.
“The launch of myCommunityFutures (myCF) demonstrates Community Futures’ commitment to supporting B.C.’s rural communities in the face of economic challenges, including those from climate-related disasters, “ said the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan).”The businesses that call these communities home are driving our economy, supporting families and creating jobs. Through this initiative, PacifiCan is partnering with CFBC to support a stronger, more resilient economy.”
“We focus on capacity building and skill development so that businesses can quickly restore operations after a disaster, and continue to grow to meet the challenges of our competitive business environment” said Wendy McCulloch, Executive Director of Community Futures Development British Columbia.
Since its inception, 3,220 businesses, startups and not-for-profits have accessed DREAI services. As of Fall 2023, DREAI eligibility expanded to include businesses, startups and not- for-profits located in the Community Futures regions of North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, Shuswap, Alberni-Clayoquot and Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation.
Businesses, startups and not-for-profits located outside of eligible areas, such as Vancouver and Victoria, can access myCommunityFutures on a fee-for-service basis.
For more information visit www.communityfutures.ca and myCommunityFuturesBC.ca
For more information about the North Shuswap Disaster Relief Society visit www.nsdisasterrelief.ca
