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Kootenay HR Network
Human resources can be one of the most rewarding roles in an organization. It can also be one of the most isolating. Whether you’re the only HR professional on your team, new to the profession, or new to the Kootenay Boundary, having a network of peers to learn from and connect with can make all…
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Start-Up Business Advisor Service Now Available Across Kootenay-Boundary
New entrepreneurs across the Kootenay-Boundary region can now access free one-on-one business support through the Start-Up Business Advisor service. Delivered by Community Futures Central Kootenay, the service helps entrepreneurs turn business ideas into sustainable careers by offering personalized business advice and guidance during the critical early stages of business development. “A lot of entrepreneurs put…
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Free Self Employment Training from myCommunityFutures
Starting a business comes with plenty of questions — from defining your vision and understanding your customers to managing finances and building systems that support growth. That’s why myCommunityFutures has partnered with myCEO to deliver a series of practical, easy-to-follow on-demand learning modules designed specifically for new entrepreneurs and start-ups. These short, easy-to-follow sessions provide…
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West Kootenay RCIP Introduces New Application Process
Following the surge in demand experienced during the West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) intake earlier this spring, Community Futures Central Kootenay has announced a significant update to the 2026 application process aimed at improving fairness, transparency, and program integrity. In April, the first 2026 intake reached capacity within minutes, reflecting unprecedented interest from…
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West Kootenay Building Attainable Housing Symposium
On April 30, 2026, Community Futures Central Kootenay and the Kootenay Workforce Housing Society are bringing together key players from across the region for the West Kootenay Building Attainable Housing Symposium in Nelson, BC. This full-day event is designed to move beyond conversation and into action. A Focus on Practical Solutions The symposium will highlight…
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West Kootenay Recruitment Pilot Confirms Need for Local Workforce Solutions
After a year of testing, building, and collaborating, the West Kootenay Recruitment Agency (WKRA) pilot project has confirmed what many local employers already knew: the Kootenays need a recruitment solution built for the Kootenays with local context. Launched in November 2024 by Community Futures Central Kootenay, the pilot set out to test whether a locally…
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West Kootenay Recruitment Agency – Final Report
We’re excited to share the Final Report for the West Kootenay Recruitment Agency (WKRA) Pilot Project, a locally driven initiative exploring new ways to support recruitment and human resource capacity across the West Kootenay and Boundary region. Why this project matters Attracting and retaining employees continues to be a top challenge for employers throughout the…
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Introducing the Kootenay Workforce Housing Society
A new society dedicated to advancing workforce housing developments is now up and running in the Kootenays. The Kootenay Workforce Housing Society will collaborate with local governments and First Nations; private developers and landowners; and other community-based housing providers to increase the supply of attainable housing for moderate-income working individuals and families within the Regional…
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Expression of Interest: Creston Board Member
Community Futures Central Kootenay (CFCK) is inviting Expressions of Interest from Creston Valley-based business owners and community leaders to join our Board of Directors. About Community Futures Central Kootenay CFCK is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community economic development across the Central Kootenay region. Our work is guided by a…
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Introducing the Kootenay Childcare Initiative
Together, Kootenay Employment Services (KES), Community Futures Central Kootenay (CFCK) and Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK) are proud to share an important new resource for local childcare providers: the Kootenay Childcare Initiative. KES, CFCK and CFEK, local leaders in community economic development, are excited to announce this initiative to help childcare providers to grow and…
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West Kootenay Announces Priority Sectors for Rural Community Immigration Pilot
Employers can now apply for designation to recommend candidates Community Futures Central Kootenay (CFCK) is pleased to announce the launch of the West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)—a new initiative of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The initiative offers a pathway to permanent residency for newcomers who want to settle long-term in the…
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Celebrating Kootenay Women Entrepreneurs
Note: This event is currently full. However, you can still sign up for our waitlist to be notified if a spot opens up. With International Women’s Day right around the corner, we invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible women entrepreneurs of the Kootenay region. Community Futures Central Kootenay, in collaboration with our…
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Support Slocan Valley T-Shirt Campaign
Just One More in New Denver has partnered with Community Futures Central Kootenay to launch the Support Slocan Valley t-shirt campaign this November, providing a meaningful way for the community to rally around local businesses still feeling the effects of last summer’s fires. For every t-shirt sold, $10 will go towards buying gift certificates from…
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Free Support for Businesses Impacted by Wildfires
In the aftermath of last summer’s wildfires, many local businesses are still struggling to regain their footing. To help these businesses recover, Community Futures British Columbia is offering a suite of free services to help businesses strengthen operations and prepare for future challenges. “We focus on capacity building and skill development so that businesses can…
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Exploring the Feasibility of Rural Ride-Hailing in the Central Kootenay
Community Futures Central Kootenay, in partnership with Kl Squared Advisory Inc., has released a feasibility study exploring the possibility of introducing rural ride-hailing services in the Central Kootenay region of British Columbia. The study assesses the unique challenges of implementing ride-hailing in rural areas, where low population density, large distances between communities, and uneven demand…
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Climate Resilient Kootenay Businesses
Ready to take climate action in your business? Community Futures is has just launched Climate Resilient Kootenay Businesses, a new program designed to bring green economy business support and education to the Central Kootenay region. This program is delivered by Synergy Foundation under their BC Green Business program, a certification that works one-on-one with businesses to identify affordable and practical ways…
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Your Input Matters: Employer Survey on Workforce Needs
Are labour shortages impacting your business? West Kootenay employers are invited to participate in a survey on worker recruitment. The information provided will help us better understand human resource issues in our region, and will be included as part of a feasibility study for the creation of a local recruitment agency. Your answers will remain…
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Resources for Selling a Business
These resources meet you where you are at, whether you’re contemplating selling your business, or taking steps to prepare your business for sale, or listing your business and engaging with prospective buyers. Steps to Selling Your Business 1. Contemplation Webinar: How to Sell Your Business This webinar was held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Sign-up for…
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Board of Directors appointed for 2023-24
Community Futures Central Kootenay recently held it’s Annual General Meeting and appointed the Board of Directors for 2023/24. We would like to acknowledge the following individuals who volunteer their time and services to support our vision: Annual Report We are pleased to share our 2022/23 Annual Report. In the past year, we provided support to more…
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Local Immigration Partnership Launches in the West Kootenay
Working together to create a region that all newcomers can call home! Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL), the lead settlement service organization for the Kootenay and Boundary region, announced today the launch of a local immigration partnership (LIP). The project is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to support the development of…
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West Kootenay Immigration Pilot Receives Award for Excellence
A project of Community Futures Central Kootenay, the pilot helps local employers attract and retain foreign workers for in-demand jobs within the West Kootenay region. Since the launch in 2020, 126 West Kootenay employers have used the pilot to hire skilled workers in health care, trades, childcare, professional services, and hospitality. “We’ve helped more than…
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West Kootenay Immigration Pilot Helps Kootenay Businesses Address Workforce Shortages
WEST KOOTENAY—On June 14th, 150 people attended a gathering to celebrate the 211 people (including spouses and dependents) who received their Canadian Permanent Residency through the West Kootenay Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. The Pilot is a community-led immigration program that brings skilled workers to rural communities in Canada. The goal is to spread the…
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Immigration pilot helps with worker shortage
Ainsworth Hot Springs supports manager to attain permanent residency When Community Futures Central Kootenay announced it would deliver a new federal immigration pilot to attract foreign workers to rural communities, it was good news for Ainsworth Hot Springs. “Even though the jobs are here, we need the workers,” says Jane, Director of Human Resources at…
