Community Futures Central Kootenay offers a wide range of programs and services to support new and existing businesses.
Business Loans Program
Community Futures offers business loans from $200 to $500,000. Our Loans program has more flexibility than commercial lenders in determining eligibility and loan repayment terms.
Self-Employment Program
The Self Employment Program provides income supports, a ten-week business plan development phase, access to free business skills development workshops, and one-on-one mentoring. To join the program, you must have a viable business idea and meet the eligibility requirements.
Export Navigator Program
Export Navigator provides free, personalized, step-by-step advice to anyone wanting to sell goods or services outside of BC. The Kootenay Boundary Export Advisor, Michael Hoher, connects your business to the market information, export programs, financial services, and business development experts it needs at every stage of the process.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilots helps West Kootenay employers attract and retain foreign workers to fill in-demand jobs. It aims to spread the economic benefits of immigration to communities outside of large metropolitan centres.
Business Counselling
We provide free 45-minute business counselling appointment to anyone with a business or a business idea. Appointments are available by phone or in-person.
Business Workshops
We offer webinars for entrepreneurs in the pre-startup phase of their business. Topics includes How To Start a Business in BC, Business Plan 101, and Bookkeeping Basics.
Business Resource Library
We have a collection of over 700 business management titles in the lending library in our Nelson office. Library membership costs $5 for lifetime membership.
Meeting Room Rentals
We have meeting rooms available to rent at our Nelson. We have a boardroom for small groups (fewer than 10 people) and a large meeting room for groups of 10-30.
Business Continuity Planning
Prepare for the unexpected. A Business Continuity Plan will help you react to disruptions like COVID-19, floods, fires, and more. Use our free software to prepare a plan for your business.
Community Economic Development
We aim to nurture partnerships, inspire innovative thinking, develop best practice initiatives, and promote a healthy, vibrant economic future for our area.
For updates on Community Futures Central Kootenay programs, services, and other Central Kootenay business news, subscribe to our email newsletter.
