Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services

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 program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services?

You can contact Community Futures Ontario (CFO).

Q: 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.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Business planning help and training for rural Ontario entrepreneurs

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Community Futures Ontario

Program status

Open

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.

Activities funded

Business counselling, documentation, and referrals.
Guidance with business plans.
Export support.
Entrepreneurial training.
Providing information on relevant federal and provincial programs and services.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 45,000

Development of an export strategy for tech startups

$ 41,250

Counseling services for small Indigenous businesses

$ 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

$ 33,750

Establishing a support network for eco-friendly small businesses

$ 37,500

Providing entrepreneurial training for women-owned businesses

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.

Apply to this program

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?

How much funding can be received?

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.

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning 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).