As of March 2024 Community Futures Central Island has lent $53,351,375 to 3014 local small businesses in our region leveraging $72,683,353 in our communities and creating/maintaining 6,941 jobs.
Community Futures contributes significantly to economic development throughout the Central Vancouver Island region. Our office works closely with the region’s municipal governments, the central Island Regional Districts, and various Chambers of Commerce in addressing economic and labour market challenges. We have forged strong links with Vancouver Island University as we work together to prepare the next generation of community leaders, workers and entrepreneurs!
Our resource section will help guide you through the intricate world of business and how to register online. Ask yourself the question and find the solution, right here.
Are you ready to go to the next step?
Self assessment is a great way to get started
- Entrepreneurial Self-Assessment Survey will evaluate your entrepreneurial traits – Click to view
- Canada Business Network has tools on how to start a successful business – Click to view
Tools for a viable business plan
- Why Businesses Succeed – Click to view
- The 5 C’s of Community Futures Lending – Click to view
- Guide for Preparing a Business Plan – Click to view
- Business Plan Template – Click to view
- Funding Requirements Template – Click to view
- Cash Flow Template – Click to view
- Balance Sheet Template – Click to view
AI Upskilling Program
Unlock your business’s productivity potential with our AI Upskilling Program. This hands-on, locally delivered program teaches small businesses how to work smarter, not harder. Click here to join the program today.
Assistance from experts in various business specialties can often be the key to improving a business or helping it through difficult situations. Community Futures is available to help address a range of business issues or to assist in taking a business to the next level in performance.
Where can I get small business advice?
Have a problem or area of your business that you need help with? Small Business Solver’s self-diagnostic tools will help you pinpoint and access the tools and resources needed.
How do I register a business?
BC Business Registry provides the A,B,C’s to obtaining a business name and registering your business.
What licenses or permits are needed to operate my business?
Biz Pal, a service provided by the federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal government, streamlines your business permit and licensing experience.
Pathway to a Successful Business Purchase. Adapted Buyer’s Workbook for Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations
Looking for free online workshops and webinars?
Platform offers online business training, including workshops and webinars, for startups, businesses, social enterprises, and non-profits. It provides business consulting services. The platform supports entrepreneurship and economic development in rural areas.