Community Futures Network of Canada
Canada
Funding and support for rural SMEs
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 29, 2020
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Community Futures Development Corporation
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grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
If your business is located in a rural community, you may be eligible for financing and business support services through your local Community Futures organization.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
Funding modalities for the Community Futures Network of Canada grant are designed to cater to the distinctive needs of rural economic development while ensuring effective resource distribution. This is achieved with support structures backed by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies.
- Funding is provided primarily through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies, backing Community Futures offices and the CFNC Network.
- The modalities reflect a tailored approach allowing each Community Futures office to operate as an independent non-profit corporation.
- Funding supports a portfolio of small business loans and services, customized to facilitate swift and context-sensitive financial assistance at the local level.
- Efforts to secure funding include advocacy and leadership to align with national policy direction for rural development.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Community Futures Network of Canada grant funds projects that enhance economic growth and support rural businesses and communities. Eligible activities are managed through individual Community Futures offices that provide various services tailored to local needs.
- Provision of small business loans for starting or expanding businesses in rural areas.
- Organization of training and events for entrepreneurship and business management.
- Implementation of collaborative projects to explore cost-saving programs and policies.
- Facilitation of seminars and workshops for knowledge sharing and skills development.
- Development of partnerships and networks to support rural economic sustainability.
- Initiatives for professional development and training of Community Futures staff.
- Creation and dissemination of resources and information related to best practices in rural development.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 56,000
Launch a leadership training program for young entrepreneurs in rural Montreal
$ 40,000
Develop an advocacy program for small farmers in rural Toronto
$ 52,000
Build a resource library for indigenous businesses in rural Ottawa
$ 48,000
Create a digital tool kit for tourism operators in rural Vancouver
$ 44,000
Establish a communication support center for rural small businesses
$ 64,000
Develop a collaborative agriculture network in rural Calgary
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for the grant provided by the Community Futures Network of Canada may vary depending on the specific program or funding opportunity. However, in general, eligibility for Community Futures grants often includes the following criteria:
1. The applicant must be a small business or entrepreneur located in a rural or remote community in Canada.
2. The business or project must align with the goals and objectives of the Community Futures program, which typically focus on economic development, job creation, and community growth.
3. Applicants may be required to demonstrate a viable business plan, financial stability, and the potential for growth and success.
4. Some grants may have specific industry or sector requirements, so the applicant's business activities may need to align with those criteria.
5. Priority may be given to businesses or projects that have a positive impact on the local community, create employment opportunities, or support sustainable development.
It is recommended to visit the Community Futures Network of Canada's website or contact them directly for specific details on eligibility criteria for their grant programs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant for Community Futures organizations in Canada aims to support rural and remote communities through various activities. These activities focus on business development, professional services, and community support to enhance economic growth and sustainability.
- Providing small business loans and financial tools to entrepreneurs in rural areas to foster business growth.
- Offering training and professional development services for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in rural communities.
- Organizing events and workshops to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking among community businesses.
- Supporting community economic development projects that address local economic challenges and opportunities.
- Promoting collaboration and communication between Community Futures offices to optimize service delivery and resource sharing.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies located in geographical areas that are supported by regional development agencies in Canada. The eligible locations include rural and remote communities serviced by Community Futures offices across various regions.
- Atlantic Group: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Quebec Group: Quebec.
- Ontario Group: Ontario.
- Western Group: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.
- Territories Group: Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
grant_single_labels|criteria
- Demonstrated need for funding
- Alignment with the organization's goals and objectives
- Impact on rural and remote communities
- Financial stability and capacity to effectively utilize the grant
- Feasibility and sustainability of the proposed project or initiative
- Collaboration and partnerships with other organizations
- Ability to measure and report on outcomes
- Compliance with grant guidelines and regulations
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Contact Local Office
- Identify your nearest Community Futures office using the online locator.
- Reach out to your local office to express your interest in applying for support services or funding.
- Step 2: Gather Documentation
- Prepare your business plan, including financial statements and projections.
- Collect any other required documents as specified by your local Community Futures office.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Complete the application form provided by your Community Futures office.
- Submit the application form along with your supporting documents to the local office.
- Step 4: Confirmation and Follow Up
- Receive confirmation from the office that your application has been received.
- Follow up with the office for updates on the status of your application.
- Step 5: Review Process
- Your application will be reviewed by the local board of directors with consideration for local economic development needs.
- Await notification of the decision regarding your application.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Each Community Futures office operates as an individual non-profit corporation with a volunteer board of directors.
- The Community Futures Network provides a variety of member services including professional development and group discounts.
- There are specific core staff positions within Community Futures offices which are supported by specialized training and career advancement opportunities.
- The organization actively gathers and shares information to help build valuable links and networks among its offices.
- Community Futures organizations focus on tailoring support to unique rural and remote community needs.
- Funding is provided through Government of Canada’s Regional Development Agencies.
- The CFNC organizes a national conference every three years to facilitate networking and shared learning among its members.
Apply to this program
Empowering Rural Economic Growth through Community Futures
The grant dedicated to supporting Canada's 267 Community Futures organizations focuses on enhancing economic opportunities in rural and remote areas. Through financial support, training, and resources, it aims to empower small businesses and promote community resilience.
Detailed Overview of the Grant's Role and Contributions
The Community Futures grant is a crucial element in bolstering Canada's rural economies by directly supporting organizations that operate within these regions. These Community Futures organizations, numbering 267 nationwide, are non-profit entities tasked with providing critical services such as business loans, training, and development resources to residents in rural and remote communities. The overarching aim of this grant is to nurture a thriving local economic environment by offering tailored financial assistance to small enterprises that lack access to conventional banking services.
These grants are integral to the operations of Community Futures offices, as they enable these organizations to extend specialized services designed to meet the unique challenges faced by businesses in rural areas. With funding channeled through Canada's Regional Development Agencies, Community Futures can maintain a network that supports entrepreneurship through both financial and educational avenues. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those setting up or expanding in underserved areas, benefit significantly from these initiatives, overcoming hurdles that include geographical isolation, limited customer base, and higher operational costs.
These grants also support the training and development of key personnel within Community Futures offices, such as General Managers, Business Analysts, and Community Economic Development Officers. By equipping these professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge, Community Futures ensures that their staff can offer effective guidance and support to local businesses. Specialized training is aimed at enhancing the capacity of these officers to deal with challenges specific to rural economic development, such as creating robust business plans, assessing local economic conditions, and identifying suitable funding opportunities.
Moreover, the Community Futures grant cultivates collaboration and networking by providing structured opportunities for Community Futures offices to share best practices and success stories. This is pivotal for continual improvement and knowledge sharing, allowing these organizations to adapt to evolving economic landscapes and ensure they are delivering the best possible services to their communities. Annual national conferences funded by these grants foster an environment of collaboration where stakeholders from across the country converge to discuss strategies and policies, garnering collective insights that drive rural economic development forward.
Furthermore, the grant underpins the advocacy and leadership role played by Community Futures in representing rural business interests at national forums. By highlighting successes and challenges faced by rural enterprises, they ensure that policymaking and national strategies account for the specific needs of these communities. Through this, the grant not only provides immediate financial assistance but also contributes to the long-term sustainability and resilience of rural economies.
In summary, the Community Futures grant is more than just a financial lifeline; it is an enabler of capacity building, networking, and strategic development for rural Canada. By fostering entrepreneurial spirits and supporting the unique needs of rural and remote communities, this grant plays a pivotal role in ensuring these areas can not only survive economic challenges but thrive, contributing to a more balanced and inclusive national economy.
