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Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services
Business planning help and training for rural Ontario entrepreneurs
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services. 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 Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services?
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.
Who is eligible for the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services program?
To be eligible for the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services program, you must:
The applicant must be a small business or an entrepreneur seeking business counselling and guidance.
The applicant should require support in areas such as business planning, export support, or entrepreneurial training.
The applicant must be located within the service area of a Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC).
What expenses are eligible under Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services?
You can contact Community Futures Ontario (CFO).
Where is the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services available?
The Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services is a Expert Advice
Who are the financial supporters of the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services?
Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services is funded by Community Futures Ontario (CFO)