How much funding can be received?

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|projects

Advocacy & Leadership Tools & Resources Collaboration & Communication

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$56,000

Montreal

Launch a leadership training program for young entrepreneurs in rural Montreal

$40,000

Toronto

Develop an advocacy program for small farmers in rural Toronto

$52,000

Ottawa

Build a resource library for indigenous businesses in rural Ottawa

$48,000

Vancouver

Create a digital tool kit for tourism operators in rural Vancouver

$44,000

Halifax

Establish a communication support center for rural small businesses

$64,000

Calgary

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_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

To apply for the Community Futures grant in Canada, you can follow these general steps: 1. Contact your local Community Futures office to inquire about the specific grant programs they offer. 2. Review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for the grant you are interested in. 3. Prepare all necessary documentation, including a business plan, financial statements, and any other relevant information. 4. Submit your application according to the guidelines provided by the Community Futures office.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

- Applicants should be aware that the Community Futures Network of Canada operates 267 non-profit offices across Canada, providing small business services to people in rural and remote communities. - Each office delivers small business loans, tools, training, and events for individuals interested in starting, expanding, franchising, or selling a business. - The CFNC is guided by a Board of Directors representing different regions and works with national decision makers to ensure the sustainability of Community Futures programs. - The CFNC provides advocacy, tools, resources, collaboration, and communication to support its member offices. - Funding for Community Futures offices and the CFNC Network is provided by the Government of Canada's Regional Development Agencies. - The CFNC organizes an Annual Review and a national conference every three years to showcase successes and facilitate collaboration among Community Futures organizations. - The CFNC offers specialized professional development, training, and group discounts to its members. - The organization actively works to gather and share information between Community Futures offices to improve client services and foster networks.

grant_single_labels|documents

Community Futures Network of Canada

Apply to this program

Supporting Canada’s 267 Community Futures Organizations Grant

The Supporting Canada’s 267 Community Futures Organizations Grant is designed to provide small business services, including loans, training, and resources, to individuals in Canada's rural and remote communities. Managed by the Community Futures Network of Canada, the grant aims to bolster economic growth and resilience through local initiatives and collaborative efforts.

Overview of the Supporting Canada’s 267 Community Futures Organizations Grant

The Supporting Canada’s 267 Community Futures Organizations Grant is a cornerstone of Canada's commitment to fostering economic development in rural and remote areas. Administered by the Community Futures Network of Canada (CFNC), the grant program supports a network of 267 non-profit offices across the country. Each office is dedicated to providing vital services such as small business loans, tools, training, and events geared towards entrepreneurial ventures, expansion, franchising, or business sale. ## Purpose and Objectives ### Economic Empowerment of Rural Communities The primary objective of the grant is to stimulate economic development in rural and remote communities across Canada. By facilitating access to financial resources and business expertise, the program aims to empower local entrepreneurs and small businesses, promoting sustainable economic diversity and resilience. ### Customizable Support Each Community Futures office operates as an independent non-profit organization. This decentralized model allows each office to tailor its services to the specific needs of its local community. Whether it’s through specialized loan products, advisory services, or training programs, Community Futures organizations provide nuanced support. ### Capacity Building Community Futures offices also focus on capacity building by providing on-the-job training and other professional development opportunities to their core staff. Positions such as General Managers, Business Analysts, Community Economic Development Officers, and Administrators are crucial for the success of these local initiatives. These roles come with specialized skill requirements and job components, ensuring a competent workforce dedicated to driving local economic growth. ## Structure and Governance ### CFNC Membership and Groups The CFNC is divided into five regional groups, each with its own set of member associations: - Atlantic Group: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador - Quebec Group: Quebec - Ontario Group: Ontario - Western Group: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia - Territories Group: Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut ### Board of Directors and Advisory Committees The CFNC Board of Directors comprises representatives from each regional group, ensuring a balanced and inclusive governance structure. Additionally, advisory committees and project managers play a crucial role in guiding the network, initiating cost-saving programs, and formulating progressive policies. ## Key Areas of Focus ### Advocacy & Leadership CFNC actively engages with national decision-makers to advocate for the sustainability and expansion of the Community Futures program. By presenting up-to-date information on program impacts, successes, and best practices, CFNC ensures that rural and remote businesses remain a priority in federal economic policies. ### Tools & Resources The grant provides a wide array of tools and resources to member offices. These include specialized training programs, group discounts, and access to best practices. The Best Practices Committee is instrumental in gathering and disseminating information that can benefit both staff and volunteers across the network. ### Collaboration & Communication Effective communication and collaboration are at the heart of CFNC activities. The network facilitates information sharing between offices, building valuable links and networks that enhance service delivery. The CFNC also organizes national conferences every three years, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and professional development among staff and volunteers. ## Funding and Support ### Government of Canada’s Regional Development Agencies The grant program is funded by Canada's Regional Development Agencies, including the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), FedNor, FedDev Ontario, PacifiCan, and PrairiesCan. This support underscores the federal government’s commitment to rural economic development. ### Targeted Relief in Disasters In times of disaster, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Futures program has proven its resilience. Special funding allocations like the $287 million Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) were directed towards rural businesses that were unable to access other support measures. This highlights the program's critical role in economic recovery. ## Success Stories and Impact ### Pan-Canada Success Stories The results of the grant program are evident through numerous success stories from across the nation. From innovative startups to expanding family businesses, Community Futures offices have been instrumental in turning entrepreneurial dreams into reality. ### National Conferences and Publications The CFNC publishes an Annual Review that showcases the successes and contributions of Community Futures organizations. These reviews, coupled with national conferences, provide a platform to celebrate achievements and share experiences, further enriching the collective knowledge and capabilities of the network. ## Conclusion The Supporting Canada’s 267 Community Futures Organizations Grant is more than just a funding program; it is a lifeline for rural and remote communities. By offering financial support, business expertise, and professional development, the grant fosters a resilient and diverse rural economy. Managed by the Community Futures Network of Canada, this initiative continues to empower local entrepreneurs and ensure that rural Canada remains vibrant and economically sustainable. For more information, or to get in touch with your nearest Community Futures office, visit the official CFNC website.