Community Futures Network of Canada

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Community Futures Network of Canada a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Community Futures Network of Canada is a Expert Advice

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Community Futures Network of Canada?

Community Futures Network of Canada is funded by Community Futures Development Corporation

Q: 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.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Community Futures Network of Canada?

You can contact Community Futures Development Corporation.

Q: Where is the Community Futures Network of Canada available?

The Community Futures Network of Canada program is available across Canada.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Community Futures Network of Canada program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Community Futures Network of Canada program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Funding and support for rural SMEs

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : April 29, 2020

Financing Type

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Community Futures Development Corporation

Program status

Open

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.

Financing 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.

Activities funded

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 40,000

Develop an advocacy program for small farmers in rural Toronto

$ 52,000

Build a resource library for indigenous businesses in rural Ottawa

$ 56,000

Launch a leadership training program for young entrepreneurs in rural Montreal

$ 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

Eligibility

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.

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.

Selection 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

How to apply

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.

Gather Documentation

Prepare your business plan, including financial statements and projections.
Collect any other required documents as specified by your local Community Futures office.

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.

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.

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.

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

Community Futures Network of Canada

Apply to this program

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?

How much funding can be received?

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.