Since 1985, Community Futures has been delivering specialized programs to help new entrepreneurs make their business dreams a reality. Here are some of our success stories.
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Export Navigator Success Story: Nelson Naturals
Nelson Naturals fluoride-free toothpaste used to be something you’d only find from a stall at the local farmer’s market. Today it’s widely available in stores across Canada and growing into international markets. When co-owners Dana DiPonio and Kevin Hagell were developing their growth strategy they turned to the Export Navigator Program for support. This free…
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CF Business Loans Support Growth in Cannabis Industry
With the help of Community Futures’ Business Loan Program, SenPharm was able to establish a cannabis micro cultivation business in Crawford Bay, BC. When SenPharm approached CF for financing, the shareholders had already invested in excess of $1.4 M in the project and needed additional funding to finish the building, purchase equipment, and complete 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…
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RNIP Hires Keep Sutco “Truckin’ On”
Sutco is one of many employers working to help RNIP applicants move to and stay in the West Kootenay Imagine giving nearly 300 people their first job interview in Canada! Meet Maris, he’s the human resources manager at Sutco, a forestry transportation company that hauls lumber, wood chips, and the like. He is passionate about…
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Export Navigator Success Story: Popov Leather
When your business is rapidly growing and you need a strategy to keep up with demand, Export Navigator advisors are ready to help. Export Navigator provides free expert guidance to businesses that are expanding their sales strategy to reach new markets. In the Kootenay and Boundary region, export advisor Michael Hoher provides one-on-one support to…
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Neighbours Computers – A Story of Success
Dave Bachmier and his dog Pinner have found the formula to success with his Neighbours Computers business in Grand Forks, B.C. The personable owner of the aptly named local computer shop is more than willing to communicate the challenges he has faced since serving in the Canadian Forces. A military accident left him with back…
