Open
Community Futures Network of Canada
Funding and support for rural SMEs
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : April 29, 2020
Location
Canada
Overview
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : April 29, 2020
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
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.
Eligibility
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.
Eligible geographic areas
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.
Additional information
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.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Futures Network of Canada Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Futures Network of Canada. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Community Futures Network of Canada?
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.
Who is eligible for the Community Futures Network of Canada program?
To be eligible for the Community Futures Network of Canada program, you must:
The applicant must be a small business located in a rural or remote community in Canada.
The business should be seeking support for starting, expanding, franchising, or selling.
Involvement with a local Community Futures office is required for services and support.
What expenses are eligible under Community Futures Network of Canada?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Futures Network of Canada?
You can contact Community Futures Network of Canada (CFNC).
Where is the Community Futures Network of Canada available?
The Community Futures Network of Canada program is available across Canada.
Is the Community Futures Network of Canada a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Futures Network of Canada is a Expert Advice
Who are the financial supporters of the Community Futures Network of Canada?
Community Futures Network of Canada is funded by Community Futures Network of Canada (CFNC)