Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services
ON, Canada
Business planning help and training for rural Ontario entrepreneurs
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Community Futures Ontario (CFO)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Access services for your business or social enterprise, including business counselling, business plan assistance, export support, entrepreneurial training and information on government programs and services.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Community Futures Program provides support across various geographical areas, primarily focusing on underserved communities. These areas reflect the targeted initiatives aligned with regional and economic development goals in Canada.
- Underserved rural regions in Canada.
- Specific areas identified by the Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs).
- Regions designated by FedDev, FedNor, and applicable federal funding bodies relevant to community growth.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$45,000
Development of an export strategy for tech startups
$52,500
Developing a mentorship program for young entrepreneurs
$30,000
Creating a business plan for a new social enterprise focused on reducing food waste
$41,250
Counseling services for small Indigenous businesses
$33,750
Establishing a support network for eco-friendly small businesses
$37,500
Providing entrepreneurial training for women-owned businesses
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Community Futures Program is determined by specific criteria that target support for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
- The business must be located in a rural area served by a Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC).
- The applicant should be a small or medium-sized enterprise, an entrepreneur, or a social enterprise.
- The business or project must demonstrate potential economic benefits to the local community.
- The applicant must require support in areas such as business planning, export development, or access to business information.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Local businesses, entrepreneurs, and social enterprises in Canada who seek support with business counseling, documentation, export, and entrepreneurial training can apply for assistance through the Community Futures Program. The program is geared towards aiding small businesses and understanding the unique needs of the local marketplace.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are certain types of companies that may not be eligible for this grant:
- Companies involved in illegal activities
- Companies with a history of fraudulent practices
- Non-profit organizations
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Community Futures Program provides a variety of services aimed at supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in local communities. These activities include business counseling, guidance, and access to information about federal and provincial programs.
- Business counselling, documentation, and referrals.
- Guidance with business plans.
- Export support.
- Entrepreneurial training.
- Information on relevant federal and provincial programs and services.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Companies involved in illegal activities
- Companies engaged in speculative ventures with high-risk investments
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:
- Business viability and potential for growth
- Demonstrated need for funding
- Alignment with program objectives
- Ability to leverage additional resources
- Clear and comprehensive business plan
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Research Available Programs
- Explore the Community Futures Program and related grant opportunities.
- Identify the most applicable funding streams for your project requirements.
- Analyze the eligibility criteria and ensure alignment with your project.
- Step 2: Contact Local CFDC
- Find and contact your nearest Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) office.
- Consult with CFDC professionals to get guidance on the application process.
- Obtain advice on preparing your business case and project proposal.
- Step 3: Develop Proposal
- Prepare a comprehensive business plan or project proposal.
- Include objectives, timelines, and financial projections as needed.
- Gather all necessary supporting documentation as specified by the CFDC.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Complete the application form provided by your local CFDC.
- Attach all required documents including your project proposal and supporting materials.
- Submit your application to the CFDC by the deadline provided.
- Step 5: Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of submission from the CFDC.
- Engage with CFDC if further information or clarifications are requested.
- Monitor application status and await decision notification.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The following points offer additional insights into the Community Futures Program:
- CFDCs have a deep understanding of local market conditions, enabling them to provide tailored advice to applicants.
- They offer resources geared towards enhancing the entrepreneurial capabilities of applicants, ensuring business resilience and growth.
- Networking opportunities provided by CFDCs can help businesses connect with other local enterprises and potential markets.
- CFDCs frequently update their resources and services to reflect changes in federal and provincial policies affecting businesses.
- They serve as a bridge to various federal and provincial programs, improving access for small businesses and social enterprises.
Apply to this program
Empowering Local Business Success Through Strategic Support
The Community Futures Program offers pivotal support to small businesses and entrepreneurs through strategic planning, business services, and access to capital. This initiative is geared toward fostering local economic development and sustainability across Canadian communities.
Detailed Insights into the Community Futures Program
The Community Futures Program is a cornerstone initiative by the Community Futures Network of Canada (CFNC), aimed at empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural and semi-urban areas across the nation. This program, executed through Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs), offers a comprehensive suite of services to bolster local economies. The strategic planning aspect of the program focuses on facilitating long-term economic growth by helping businesses devise robust business plans, conduct market research, and identify new market opportunities, thus ensuring they are well-prepared to compete and thrive in the dynamic business environment.
Furthermore, CFDCs offer essential business services that include hands-on counselling, expert documentation, and referral services. These personalized supports are crucial for entrepreneurs seeking guidance in navigating the often-complex business landscape. By aiding business plan development and providing export support, CFDCs enable local entities to tap into broader markets, thus enhancing their growth potential.
A particularly distinctive feature of the program is its focus on improving access to capital. The financial and lending services provided by CFDCs are designed to meet the unique needs of local businesses which may not have access to conventional banking services. This facet of the program is instrumental in ensuring that even the smallest of businesses have the financial backing needed to innovate and expand.
The cumulative impact of the Community Futures Program is evident in its contribution to sustainable economic development and community empowerment across Canada. By providing resources, knowledge, and financial support, CFDCs are crucial in addressing the economic and social needs of local communities. Entrepreneurs not only receive the tools necessary for immediate business growth but also gain the skills and networks required for long-term success.
Moreover, the program places a significant emphasis on fostering entrepreneurship, particularly in sectors that hold significant potential for community impact. Through entrepreneurial training, business information dissemination, and strategic guidance, it ensures that businesses are both competitive and sustainable. The program also works in conjunction with relevant federal and provincial programs, maximizing the support ecosystem available to businesses.
Overall, the Community Futures Program stands as a vital initiative for economic empowerment in Canada. It symbolizes a collaborative approach to regional development where local businesses are supported, leadership in business innovation is fostered, and economic prosperity is shared across communities. For businesses and entrepreneurs in Canada, leveraging the resources offered by the Community Futures Program can be a transformative step towards achieving long-term business success and community advancement.
