Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services
Overview
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.
At a glance
Funding available
- Develop employee skills
- Selling in a new market
- No Condition
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
- All industries
- Ontario
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Social economy enterprise
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Startups
Activities funded
Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services provides essential support to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and social enterprises by equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in their local marketplace. The program focuses on providing guidance, training, and access to vital resources and information.
- Business counselling, documentation, and referrals.
- Guidance with business plans.
- Export support.
- Entrepreneurial training.
- Providing information on relevant federal and provincial programs and services.
Eligibility
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.
Who is eligible?
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.Who is not eligible
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
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.
Selection 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
How to apply
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Additional information
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.
