Community Futures Central Kootenay aims to be accessible to everyone. If you have any concerns, please let us know.
Email: in**@fu*****.ca
Call: (250) 352-1933 extension 100
Visit our office: 201-514 Vernon Street, Nelson B.C.
Our Office & Services
Accessing our Office
Accessing the Community Futures office – Information about the building, access, parking, ramps, elevators, bathrooms, etc.
Accessibility and Assistive Technology – Do you have a work-related barrier due to a disability or a functional limitation?
Learn how WorkBC Assistive Techology Services can support you.
Programs and Services
Our programs and services are available to anyone living in the Central Kootenay region. If you need help accessing any of our programs or services, please let us know.
We recognize that starting and running a business can be a challenging process and we have several programs aimed to support people living with disabilities or persistent multiple barriers.
Self Employment Program
If you identify as a person with a disability or a person with persistent multiple barriers, then you may be eligible for the Self Employment Program. Please review our page on eligibility. If it sounds like a good fit, then your next step is visiting the WorkBC Centre closest to you to start the referral process.
If you have any questions, call (250) 352-1933 extension 100, email in**@fu*****.ca or visit our office.
Questions about how starting a business could affect your disability benefits, check out this document: Self-Employment and Disability Benefits.
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program
Because we are a developmental lender, and because community economic development is our number one priority, we are able to interpret and prioritize lending criteria a bit differently than traditional banks.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) Business Loan, the business:
- must be located in Central Kootenay. (you are still eligible outside of the region, but you would need to visit your local Community Futures office).
- must demonstrate economic viability
- must have adequate loan security and owner investment
- owner has self-identified and self-disclosed a disability or ongoing health issue
The Community Futures Loans Program requires start-up business owners to demonstrate commitment through research, planning and resourcing their business plan.
Visit our Business Loans Program page for more information. Or contact our Business Loans staff , Don McCulloch (dm********@fu*****.ca) or Val Radcliffe (vr********@fu*****.ca) to discuss your lending options.
Why should I ask for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program loan?
EDP loans are more flexible to provide more opportunity for people with disabilities who may not meet traditional loan approval criteria (credit scores, adequate security, etc.). Furthermore, persons with disabilities applying for the EDP loan may be eligible for additional entrepreneurial training paid for by Community Futures.
