Business Help - Community Futures Sun Country

Counselling and advisory services

Successful small businesses don't just happen; they grow out of careful research and planning. Community Futures Sun Country believes that entrepreneurs are key agents of diversification and sustainability – much-needed ingredients for maintaining rural economic health and prosperity. Our expert staff has a wealth of services to offer you, regardless of the stage you are at with your business idea.

We can help you with:

Obtaining a small business loan
Accessing small business seminars
Writing a business plan, cash flow sheet or marketing plan
Creating realistic financial projections
Improving your business plan for financing purposes
Finding other assistance programs which might work for you

For more information about what we do, or to set up an appointment, please contact us.

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Client Privacy Policy

Loan Appeal Process

Check out our Loan documents:

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Our Loan Products

Micro-Loan

Community Futures Sun Country offers Micro-loans up to $15,000. As with all our loan, micro loan clients get assistance from our business advisors who provide guidance and resources to help start and grow a business.

Some examples for a Micro Loan...

Funding to implement your marketing strategy
Financing to assist with getting your "books" in order
Expansion or startup of businesses in any sector of the economy
Any business purpose, including but not limited to the purchase of equipment, inventory and working capital
Fast process with one page loan application

Micro-Loan Application

Business Plan Overview

NextGen Micro Loan Program

Supporting our youth in Business

Maximum loan amount per business is $2000
Loan repayment term is one year maximum
Be a minimum of 15 years of age
Your business activities must be carried out in the Community Futures Sun Country region
Full time, part time or seasonal business ventures can apply

NexGen Micro Loan Application

If you would like to discuss your business idea further, or to speak to a representative about applying for a loan, please contact the office 250-453-9165 or by email.

BizBuyout Loan >> Financing to buy an established business - sometimes, buying a successful business is the best way to go.

Great little businesses can be great little investments.

And in times like these, with unemployment rates climbing, buying an established business can make a lot of sense. If you have the dedication, commitment and creativity to be your own boss, self-employment could be exactly what you're looking for.

If you're interested in buying a successful business, come see us at Community Futures. We've launched an exciting new line-up of loan products - including BizBuyout - especially for the entrepreneur who sees opportunity waiting.

FranchiseRoute >> Funding to franchise your business - we can help with financing and professional franchising advice.

If you've got the right kind of business, franchising is proven way to achieve success. And in uncertain economic times, it can make sense to get support from an established corporation.

If you're thinking of franchising your business, come see us at Community Futures. We've launched an exciting new line-up of loans products - including FranchiseRoute - especially for entrepreneurs wanting to explore growth options.

NewBiz Loan >> Funds for starting up a new business - if you've got what it takes to be an entrepreneur, we can help you get up and running.

You'd be amazed how many successful businesses were started during a recession. If you plan carefully and work hard, this could be the perfect time to launch your dream. Supplies may be cheaper, good people more available and customers could be looking for change.

If you've got a dream, come see us at Community Futures. We've just launched an exciting new line-up of loan products - including NewBiz - especially for start-up entrepreneur with a great idea and the drive to make it reality.

Opportunity Loan >> Fast access to capital - so you can make a decision to change, taking advantage of opportunities when they happen.

In business, there are times when you just need a bit of cash to be able to react to a great opportunity. And during an economic downturn, the businesses that survive are often the ones that continue to pursue opportunities and keep moving forward.

If you see an opportunity that could help your established business, come see us at Community Futures. We've just launched an exciting new line-up of loan products - including Opportunity Loan - especially for the quick-thinking entrepreneur ready to seize an opportunity.

TechBlazer Loan >> Financing for key investments in technology - to help stay competitive in any world of change.

During these tough economic times, investing in innovation can be more important than ever for businesses wanting to stay competitive and cater to a shrinking clientele. Developing new products and markets, value-adding, or training staff to use new techniques or equipment could give you the edge you need to survive.

If you're ready to take that extra step, come see us at Community Futures. We've launched an exciting new line-up of loan products - including TechBlazer - especially for the innovative entrepreneur wanting to stay competitive.

GlobalReach Loan >> Access to funds to reach into new markets - nowadays, every business has potential to go global.

An economic downturn can mean opportunity for those who are focused, persistent and creative. Maybe your competition is pulling back, make more space for you and creating the perfect opening for expansion into new markets.

If you need to grow, come see us at Community Futures. We've just launched an exciting new line-up of loan products - including GlobalReach - especially for the forward-thinking entrepreneur looking for new places to grow.

NextGen Loan >> Financing for young people who want to be entrepreneurs - we're here to see that you get your first chance to try.

If you think you have what it takes, maybe you can channel your ideas, energy and drive into becoming your own boss. An economic downturn is the perfect environment for fresh thinking, out-of-the-box solutions - and youthful perspectives.

If you're a young person with a business idea, come see us at Community Futures. We've just launched an exciting new line-up of loan products - including NextGen - especially for the young entrepreneur who wants a chance to make a start.

Bizable Loan >> For people with disabilities - because entrepreneurship can be the best way to get back into the workforce.

If you're a person with a disability, self-employment can be a great option.

In good times or bad, it can offer people with disabilities the opportunity to create a work situation adapted to their particular needs. If you've got the right commitment and attitude, starting a business could be the perfect way to get into the workforce.

If you're a person with a disability with a great business idea come see us at Community Futures.

4H Loan >> Community Futures Sun Country introduced a loan program specifically designed for 4H members. It allows the youth to borrow funds for purchase of a 4H project with a low interest rate and customized repayment terms. We could not be happier to support such a great organization; one that teaches youth about respect, hard work and caring for others.

If you would like to discuss your business idea further, or to speak to a representative about applying for a loan, contact the office at 250-453-9165 or by Email.

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Loan Applications

Fillable Documents:

Apply Online:

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Business programs

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program offers small business loans to people with disabilities who are interested in starting or growing their own business.

Loans are available to entrepreneurs with a viable business idea who have a disability or an ongoing health condition.

In house or on-line resources and training are available for supporting your goal of self-employment.

Who Can Apply

Entrepreneurs with a disability or an ongoing health condition.
Live in a rural community in British Columbia.
Have a viable business idea and suitable personal investment.

How are our loans geared to help you?

Flexible repayment options suited to your business needs.
Repayable Business Loans available from small amounts up to a maximum of $150,000

Services We Offer

Business Consultation.
Free assistance with Business Plan development.
Referral to Business Resources including training, other financing, and business contacts.

Established in 1986, the BC Community Futures Network consists of 34 Community Futures offices across the province, as well as a provincial association located in Vancouver.

Our newly expanded Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program assists individuals with disabilities to access small business loans in order to support their pursuit of self-employment. Self employment can offer people with disabilities flexible work arrangements and the opportunity to build on their existing skills and expertise while generating additional income.

Community Futures EDP Website

IDEA - Innovation through Diversity, Entrepreneurship and Adaptability

The IDEA Pilot Program assists eligible participants to become self-employed, providing resources for evaluating business ideas and training to develop capacity for self employment.

IDEA - Eligibility

You have a self-declared disability or have been assessed as having a disability.
You have a self-employment idea or concept but not the resources or knowledge to launch a business.
You started a business on or after February 1, 2020 but have not made any substantial income to date.
You need training in the field that the self-employment opportunity is in.
You are self-employed, unemployed, or precariously employed.

IDEA - Participant Supports

Skills Development Training.
Business Coaching and Training.
Access to temporary financial supports that reduce barriers to participation in the program. (e.g.childcare expenses, transportation supports, digital technology, business equipment, mental health supports.)

How can we help?

To submit a Participant Application for the IDEA Program

APPLY HERE

Read More

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Business succession

We all know that the “baby boomers” are getting older and starting to retire – and some of them are small business owners. We call these individuals “Generation Exit” – a whole generation of business owners wanting to exit the small business world. Are you one of these people?

In 2006 it was estimated that more than 40% of small business owners planned to leave their businesses in the next five years, and more than 70% within the next ten years. Yet up to 71% of these business owners didn’t have a plan on how to exit their business.

It is anticipated that over the next 20 years there will be many more businesses than there are owners and employees – resulting in the potential closure of many small businesses throughout Sun Country Region. This will have an impact on employment, economic output, business formation and the availability of services in our region.

We at Community Futures Sun Country recognize the importance of succession planning – of the need for services and resources for business owners wanting to retire from their business.

For more information about the potential impacts of “Generation Exit” please contact us.

Community Futures and Venture Connect

Community Futures is taking a proactive approach to assist businesses owners that are wanting to sell their business. For more information please do not hesitate to call the office at 1-800-567-9911 to speak with Deb Arnott, General Manager.

For more information, please click here.

BC Business Match is a business transition service that connects business buyers, sellers and communities across BC. It's a Network 34 initiative from Community Futures designed for:

Business owners thinking of exiting their business
Business owners already in the process of trying to sell their business
Entrepreneurs looking to expand their business by acquiring another one
Anyone considering entrepreneurship

The program helps buyers find the right business for their skills, interests and needs, and helps business owners professionally prepare their business for sale. This is a full scope program with assistance available at every step of the way.

Buyers receive:

Tools and training to understand the business purchase process
Access to business listings & exclusive unlisted business opportunities
A custom Business Match Report of available opportunities
Ongoing professional business valuation & advisory services
Advice, support & business mediation during a business purchase
Connections to community resources & local business support

Sellers receive:

Exposure to buyers across western Canada and beyond
The option for a confidential business listing
Access to a pool of serious, qualified buyers
Assistance creating a comprehensive Sales Information Package for buyers

BC Business Match aims to sustain and grow the local economies of non-metropolitan BC Communities, support business owners as they make their exit, and lead the way for new owners to set up shop and continue to offer the goods and services their communities need.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

www.bcbusinessmatch.ca

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Business partnerships

Do you work with small business clients? Maybe we can partner with you.

Are you a lawyer, realtor, banking professional, or anyone else who has regular contact with local small business owners? Do they need small business loans or business training in order to grow? We may be able to work together to support rural entrepreneurs and small businesses in our region. We are sure you will agree that we all need to do as much as we can to support rural communities, strengthen rural economies, and ensure our region’s ongoing sustainability.

In the course of your work, you may become aware of entrepreneurs trying to start up or expand a business. They may well be eligible for one of our loans, and could benefit from being referred to our office.

As a developmental lender, we can often lend money to businesses or individuals whom banks are unable to assist. Many financial institutions refer clients on to us as another potential source of financing. Or, we may work with financial institutions on joint financing for clients. Many entrepreneurs have had success using a combination of loans from both Community Futures and their financial institution.

We invite you to peruse this website and find out more about Community Futures and our services, and to contact us with your partnering ideas.

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Tools and Resources