Community Futures Program - CFP

Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) deliver a variety of services to small businesses, including advisory services and financing.

With core funding assistance provided by Western Economic Diversification (WD), CFDCs take a grassroots approach to community and economic development with the primary focus on job creation in areas outside major urban centres.

There are 90 CFDCs across Western Canada. They are non-profit* corporations run by volunteer boards of directors, supported by salaried staff.

Eligibility Criteria

Businesses and communities within these CFDC areas are eligible.

Summary

The mandate of the Community Futures Development Corporations is community and business development. Each CFDC delivers a variety of services ranging from:

• local strategic economic planning;
• technical and advisory services to businesses;
• loans to small and medium enterprises;
• self-employment assistance programs; and
• services targeted to youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities.

CFDC Loan Program

A wide range of services and financing opportunities are available to small businesses and entrepreneurs at the local CFDC. In general, businesses seeking financing must:

• be located in a rural area of one of the four Western provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia);
• be operating, or about to operate, in a designated CFDC area;
• contribute to local economic growth;
• be seeking financing of up to $150 000.

Loans on commercial terms, equity financing, and loan guarantees are available through the CFDCs. Applications are assessed by the CFDC's local volunteer Board of Directors. Training and assistance on preparing business plans are also available at the CFDC offices.

CFDCs also deliver the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program, which provide loans of up to $150 000 to entrepreneurs with disabilities.

As each CFDC community is different, specific financing activities undertaken by each individual CFDC varies from community to community. For further information, contact the Community Futures Development Corporation in your area.

Finding your CFDC

To find the CFDC that services your community, please visit WD's Business Service Network database or refer to the document specific to each province.

Note: "non-profit" also known as non-profit organizations, non profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, voluntary organizations and volunteer organizations.

Manitoba Contact(s):

Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Ave
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C OJ7
Telephone:204-984-2272
Fax:204-983-3852
Toll-free (information):1-800-665-2019
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired):1-800-457-8466
E-mail: manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca
Web site:http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/

Mr. Jason Denbow
Executive Director
Community Futures Manitoba (Provincial Association)
559 - 167 Lombard Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3B 0V3
Telephone: 204-943-2905
Fax: 204-956-9363
E-mail: info@cfmanitoba.ca
Web site: http://www.cfmanitoba.ca/

Western Economic Diversification Canada
Suite 712
The Cargill Building
240 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C 2L4
Telephone: 204-983-4472
Fax: 204-983-3852
Toll-free (information): 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
E-mail: info.manitoba@wd.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/home.asp

National Contact(s):

Western Economic Diversification Canada
Suite 1500, Canada Place
9700 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 4H7
Telephone:780-495-4164
Fax:780-495-4557
Toll-free (information):1-888-338-WEST (9378)
E-mail:info.alberta@wd.gc.ca   
Web site:http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/home.asp