CF British Columbia: Complete Guide to Community Futures Programs for B.C. Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs and small business owners in British Columbia’s rural and Indigenous communities benefit from the support of a diverse and deeply rooted network of Community Futures (CF) offices. These community-based organizations provide financing, business advisory services, and developmental programs that help entrepreneurs start, stabilize, and grow their businesses—especially in regions underserved by traditional financial institutions.

This guide provides an overview of the services offered through Community Futures in British Columbia and includes direct links to all regional offices across the province

What is Community Futures in British Columbia?

Community Futures British Columbia (CFBC) is part of a national network of federally funded, non-profit organizations that foster local economic development in rural areas. Funded by PacifiCan (Pacific Economic Development Canada), each CF office operates as an independent, community-led organization that understands and responds to the specific needs of the region it serves.

CF offices are often the first and most reliable source of financing and business support in remote, coastal, interior, and Indigenous communities. Their mission is not only to help individual entrepreneurs but to empower entire regions through strategic economic diversification and capacity-building.

Community Futures Offices in British Columbia

There are 34 Community Futures offices in British Columbia. From the forests of Haida Gwaii to the Kootenay Rockies, the Community Futures network in BC spans a wide range of geographic, cultural, and economic contexts. In addition to core lending services, many offices specialize in supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship, tourism development, forestry transition, digital adoption, and climate-resilient economies. Below we list all of the offices (click the office name to be taken to their website):

Community Futures Programs Overview for British Columbia Entrepreneurs

1. Financial Assistance Programs

Community Futures offices offer a range of accessible financing options to meet the needs of rural and regional entrepreneurs:

• General Business Loans: Term loans for startup, expansion, or stabilization; flexible repayment terms and more accessible than banks.
• Microloans: Small-scale loans with simplified applications—ideal for home-based businesses, startups, and self-employed individuals.
• Youth & Women’s Loans: Specialized lending programs with mentorship and business training.

2. Business Advisory Services

CF offices provide free and confidential one-on-one support to entrepreneurs at all stages, including:

• Business Planning Support: Guidance on writing, refining, and updating business plans tailored to funding applications, expansion, or operational improvements.
• Cash Flow and Financial Forecasting: Assistance in developing financial projections, understanding break-even points, and preparing documents needed for loan applications.
• Startup Guidance: Help with registering a business, choosing a legal structure, licensing requirements, and navigating provincial and federal regulations.

3. Networking Opportunities

Community Futures BC supports skill development through:

• Workshops & Webinars: Covering topics from bookkeeping to branding to hiring.
• Mentorship Programs: Pairing early-stage entrepreneurs with experienced business owners.
• Business Bootcamps: Some CFDCs offer structured startup cohorts with training, funding, and pitch opportunities.

4. Sector-Specific Support

Given BC’s diverse economy and geography, CF offices tailor programming to local priorities:

• Forestry: Transition support and diversification financing for communities impacted by mill closures or forestry changes.
• Tourism & Hospitality: Post-COVID recovery loans, marketing assistance, and experience development funding.
• Food & Agriculture: Support for value-added processors, agri-tourism operators, and small-scale farms.

Getting Started with Community Futures

Entrepreneurs in British Columbia can easily access Community Futures services by following these steps:

1. Find Your Local CF Office: Use the list below to identify and connect with the CFDC serving your community.
2. Book a Free Business Consultation: Get expert guidance on your business idea, financial plan, or growth strategy.
3. Apply for a Loan or Program: CF advisors can help you prepare a strong application and connect you with training opportunities.
4. Join Local Workshops or Mentorship Programs: Build skills, confidence, and connections through locally delivered learning.

List of Community Futures Programs for B.C. Entrepreneurs

Business Loans

The core offering across most CFDCs, these term loans support startups, expansions, business acquisitions, equipment purchases, working capital, and leasehold improvements. Loans are flexible and accessible for entrepreneurs who may not qualify with traditional lenders.

Microloan Programs

Smaller, low-barrier loans aimed at supporting startups, home-based businesses, and entrepreneurs with limited credit history or collateral. Often used for initial inventory, software, marketing, or short-term working capital.

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP)

Accessible financing and business support services for individuals with visible or invisible disabilities. Includes personalized coaching, flexible repayment options, and accommodations for application processes.

Youth Entrepreneurship Programs

Youth-targeted financing and mentorship for entrepreneurs typically under 39 years old. These programs provide early-stage capital, guidance on business planning, and support through startup challenges.

Indigenous Business Loans

Culturally tailored financing and advisory services for Indigenous-owned businesses. May include grants (non-repayable contributions), startup loans, business expansion loans, and wraparound support services.

Indigenous Women Entrepreneur Loans

Targeted financial and coaching support for Indigenous women entrepreneurs, with a focus on empowerment, capacity-building, and culturally grounded business planning.

Non-Repayable Contributions

Grants provided to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and organizations engaged in economic development, capacity-building, or community-driven projects. Typically available only through Indigenous CFDCs.

Franchise, Acquisition & Growth-Focused Loans

Specialized loans designed to support business purchases, franchise development, or strategic growth in sectors like tech, tourism, digital services, and exporting. These loan products are structured around specific business milestones or models.

Skills Development & Training Funds

Funding and referrals for business owners and employees to access professional training, certifications, workshops, or specialized skills development programs that improve business performance or open new markets.

Your Next Steps

CF offices are a valuable resource to aspiring and existing business owners in B.C., but many entrepreneurs aren’t aware of the funding and in-kind services that they provide.

Use this guide to do two things:

1. Shortlist the funding programs that you may be eligible for; and
2. Find the CF British Columbia office that’s nearest you and contact them to get started.