Home : Reports and Publications : Audit & Evaluation : Evaluation of the Community Futures Program - April 2003
Appendix B
Profiles of Selected Community Futures Development Corporations
The following are profiles for the twenty CFDCs that were part of the site visit component of this evaluation. It should be noted that the information supporting these profiles was primarily gathered from websites, marketing brochures, operations plans, and other previously published sources.
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With its main office in Terrace British Columbia, this CFDC covers a vast area of Northern B.C. The CFDC has a staff of nine employees and a committed and effective Board of Directors. The CFDC is highly regarded in the communities it serves due partly to the efforts of the Board of Directors and staff to visit the communities on a regular basis.
Staffing of the CFDC reflects the strategic priorities of the organization. The CFDC has two staff members devoted to the loan portfolio and business services and two staff people dedicated to community economic development. However, the trend towards dedicated community economic development initiatives has really only been a priority in the last two years. This reflects that community economic development has emerged as a high priority as a result of the poor economy of the region. The vast territory covered by the CFDC though, and the limited core funding, are formidable challenges in the development of sustainable initiatives.
Central Island
The Central Island CFDC serves the Regional District of Nanaimo and the Town of Ladysmith in British Columbia. It’s mission statement makes reference to: sustainable employment and economic development, improvements in economic “health”, building of partnerships, and representation of a broad cross-section of interests as being strategic areas of emphasis. The Board is comprised of twelve Directors, with there being two absent positions. There are also a number of volunteer committees (e.g., Business Development, Fisheries, Self-Employment and Youth Economic Development among others), the CFDC Manager, and four core WD funded staff positions out of a total of 14, not including hatchery personnel and contractors.
Activities and initiatives for the CFDC have included:
- Support for a youth conference and a student business fair.
- Provision of funding for entrepreneurs with disabilities.
- Maintenance of a Fisheries Legacy Fund (for loans).
- Management of access to investment funds.
- Maintenance of a Forest Renewal Fund and a Community Partnership Fund (i.e., provides guarantees for loans provided through the Nanaimo Credit Union).
- Administration of a self-employment program which targets independent employment for individuals on income assistance.
- Support for community economic adjustment projects including the Nanaimo Fisherman’s Market, Chemainus First Nation community center, cooperative workshop, Nanaimo River Fish Hatchery, and participation in economic development task forces and strategy processes.
It is noteworthy that Board size has reportedly increased since fiscal 2000 while the number of core WD funded staff positions have decreased.
Central Kootenay
The Central Kootenay CFDC services a broad area from Nelson to Castlegar, British Columbia. The strategic direction of the CFDC focuses on job creation and entrepreneurial support. The CFDC has recently made an effort at community economic development (i.e., the Business Vitality Index) but long term core funding does not exist for this initiative and, therefore, it is in jeopardy of discontinuation. The local economy has been facing difficulty for a number of years. As such, it is estimated that one-third of the businesses in the region have had some degree of contact with the CFDC.
The CFDC is well managed, with the senior manager having been in the position for over ten years. The Board of Directors consists of a good mix of veteran (i.e., 5 or more years) and new (i.e., four or fewer years) directors. The directors are also chosen to reflect the geographical nature of the CFDC boundary. The CFDC is highly regarded in the community and is often consulted on local initiatives. The loans process is professionally managed with a loans committee of the Board of Directors and clear lending and collection policies. The management of the CFDC has also created an effective accountability framework for all its activities.
Fraser Fort George
The Fraser Fort George CFDC is located in Prince George, British Columbia, and provides services to this community and others including McBride, Mackenzie, and Valemount. As with other CFDCs, a volunteer Board governs it comprising in this case thirteen Directors with four standing committees, two of which have a mandate to address financial matters and the self employment benefits, and the other two being geographically based. In addition, there is an Executive Committee that is comprised of the Chair, Treasurer, a Director at large, and the Chairs of the two committees addressing finance and self-employment benefits.
The CFDC has a staff of nine full-time personnel, and three part-time employees, including the General Manager, program coordinators, administrative staff, and two part-time self-employment coordinators.
The demand for services has reportedly been increasing, reflecting in part continuing economic challenges for the region including relatively high levels of unemployment, negative impacts on local forest operators and companies as a result of the softwood lumber trade dispute, and uncertainty resulting from continuing Aboriginal treaty negotiations. The regional economy continues to be dominated by forestry, with a number of major pulp mills, sawmills and value-added plants operating in the various communities.
North Fraser
The North Fraser CFDC is located in Mission, British Columbia, with a service area that encompasses the communities of Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, Harrison and Agassiz. The Board is typically comprised of ten Directors, and is structured on the basis of representation across nine committees, in particular a Community Development Committee, Business Development Committee, and Self Employment Committees (of which there are five, one for each key community in which this program is delivered). The CFDC is the largest in the province, with almost forty staff members.
The long-term goals for the CFDC encompass the building of an effective and flexible organization structure, increased capacity of communities to achieve their own social and economic well-being, and dynamic programs that stimulate the wealth and health of communities. Business Resource Centres have been established in Mission and Chilliwack, and serve as the primary means for delivering business advisory services including workshops and information sessions. Provision to loan capital is also a service of the CFDC, including a small-business start-up loan program for income assistance recipients, and another loan program for downtown businesses. A major focus for the CFDC though, is on community economic development, and staff views themselves as catalysts for enhanced community prosperity and diversity through strategic planning, capacity building and networking, and assisting with access to funding support. A number of community development activities have also taken place, or are underway, with local Aboriginal bands. These efforts reflect the challenges that have been encountered in terms of limited financial resources, changes in government programming, the softwood lumber trade conflict, and a general downturn in local economies.
Pacific Northwest
Located in Prince Rupert British Columbia, this CFDC serves the villages and communities of the North Coast. The region is economically disadvantaged from stresses occurring in the primary resource based industries of logging and fishing.
The organization, in its current state, has only been in existence for less than five years. The strategic direction of the organization is to focus on community economic development through capacity building with local partner groups. Lending to local business has proven to be a challenge operationally. The nature of the local economy has resulted in considerable job loss, and population “out-migration”. As such, there have been very few credible small business applications. Community economic development is further hampered by access to a sustainable level of core funding.
The CFDC is well managed though, with the manager having created a strong core staff of four employees, and the Board of Directors playing an important role in the on-going governance of the organization. The Board is chosen from a committee of the Board, and efforts are made to ensure that the composition is reflective of both the ethnic make-up of, and the geographical differences of the region.
Central Interior First Nation
The Central Interior First Nation CFDC covers a moderately sized region in the interior of British Columbia. The organization’s mandate is seen as providing community economic development through developing the entrepreneurial skills of the First Nations community. This is done through the development of linkages with the community and post secondary institutions. The loan portfolio is well managed with a focus on micro-loans of below $5,000.
The CFDC has a core staff of eight and an experienced Board of Directors. The CFDC is a well respected, and seen to be a credible change agent within the Central Interior First Nations community. The CFDC plays an active role in the local community by working closely with local bands to develop programs and initiatives that meet particular economic and entrepreneurial needs.
Entre Corp
The Entre Corp CFDC is based in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and covers the lower South Eastern portion of the province. Its service area extends from the US border to just south of Bassano and covers ten communities and three counties with a population of 85,000. The Board of Directors is comprised of thirteen community representatives from the region and follows the Carver model of governance.
The CFDC has a total of thirteen staff, with just over five being directly supported through funding from the Program (i.e., according to the 2001-2002 operating plan). Key priorities include:
- Promoting entrepreneurship in Southeast Alberta;
- Developing further alliances to strengthen economic and community development;
- Supporting Youth entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurs with Disabilities; and
- Developing an electronic presence in smaller communities in the region.
The CFDC is active in lending with an average loan size of $25,000, and a maximum limit of $75,000. Loan demands in fiscal 2001/20002 required an additional $400,000 in investment funds. The CFDC has also been proactive in obtaining additional funds, becoming the first in Canada to obtain investment funding from a municipal government.
The CFDC also plays an active role in regional community development by providing support to key organizations and initiatives such as the Palliser Economic Partnership. The perceived role of the organization in economic development is to act as a partner and not necessarily as a leader. Major challenges facing the region are the lack of a regional economic development plan, and the decline in non-oil and energy industries.
Lakeland
The area served by the Lakeland CFDC, based in Bonnyville Alberta, encompasses:
- the City of Cold Lake,
- Town of Bonnyville,
- Municipal District of Bonnyville,
- Canadian Forces Base Four Wing Cold Lake,
- Village of Glendon,
- Hamlet of Ardmore,
- Hamlet of Fort Kent,
- Frog Lake First Nation,
- Cold Lake First Nations,
- Fishing Lake Metis Settlement, and
- the Long Lake Cree Nation.
The Board of Directors is comprised of 20 community representatives for these areas. WD funds almost the entire annual operating budget for the CFDC and there is a total of five staff, four of which are funded through the Program:
- General Manager CFP funded
- Controller CFP funded
- Business Analyst CFP funded
- Reception/Administration CFP funded
- CEDO Coordinator CEDIP funded
The majority of the activities for the CFDC over the past few years have focused on providing business advice, counseling and the provision of business loans. The CFDC had previously been more involved in community economic development initiatives particularity around tourism, however moved away from this as a result of some negative experiences. Going forward though, the Board is more comfortable with taking a greater role with priorities including being a leader in regionalizing economic development activities, serving as a one stop business information center for clients, maintaining and leveraging the loan portfolio, and increasing the awareness of entrepreneurship amongst the youth. The level of activity within the oil and gas sector primarily drives the regional economy. When the sector is at a cyclical low, the level of interest in entrepreneurial initiatives increases and the CFDC addresses the financing void for start-ups as well as providing business advisory services.
Lesser Slave Lake
The Lesser Slave Lake CFDC is based in Slave Lake, Alberta and services an area in the Northern part of the province with a population of approximately 26,000 people. The Board of Directors is comprised of thirteen community representatives from:
- the Town of Slave Lake,
- Town of High Prairie,
- MD of Opportunity,
- MD of Lesser Slave River,
- MD of Big Lakes,
- Metis Nation of Alberta Zone 5,
- Lesser Slave Lake Indian Region Council, and
- Northern Lakes College.
The majority of the entire annual operating budget for the CFDC is funded through WD and there are almost six staff (full-time equivalents):
- General Manager CFP funded
- Business Analyst/Self Employment Coordinator ½ CFP funded and remainder Alberta Human Resources and Employment
- Client Services Officer CFP funded
- Loans Administrator and Bookkeeper CFP funded
- Administrative Assistant CFP funded
- Special Projects Coordinator (3/4 FTE) CFP funded
The majority of the effort of the CFDC is focused on the provision of business advisory services with a small portion of that specific to the granting of loans. Significant effort is also directed towards training and advisory services to heighten the skill set level in the communities. The remaining effort is directed to community development projects. In prior years, the CFDC has not focused in this area, but more recently has increased its activity in community economic development. There is also a strong focus in providing services to Aboriginal clients, as this group represents about half the population in the area served.
Mackenzie
The Mackenzie CFDC is based in High Level, Alberta and serves the far northern part of the province, which is the largest geographic region. The Board of Directors consists of fifteen volunteers with broad regional representation including:
- High Level,
- Fort Vermillion,
- La Crete, Rainbow Lake,
- M.D. of Mackenzie #23,
- Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement,
- North Peace Tribal Council,
- Dene Tha’ First Nation, and
- Little Red River Cree Nation.
A cross section of industry is also represented including oil and gas, forestry and logging, and agriculture along with education and health, service, and other commercial interests.
The region’s population ranges from between 22,000 and 25,000 residents, including one-third Aboriginal. The latter is reflected in approximately 40% of the CFDCs activity being focused on the Aboriginal population. Although there is very strong economic activity in the region, there is also a substantial segment of the population dealing with poor economic conditions, low literacy and education levels. The CFDC focuses on business loans to clients as well as on advocacy and facilitation of broader community activities, both socially and economically. There is just over five full-time equivalents, of which 4.5 are funded through the Program.
- General Manager CFP funded
- Business Analyst CFP funded
- Community Development Co-ordinator CFP funded
- Receptionist/Administration CFP funded
- Accounts Supervisor ½ FTE CFP funded
- Executive Director of Regional EDI Joint funded by three participating partners
Southwest Alberta
The Southwest Alberta CFDC is located in Pincher Creek, Alberta. Its Board of Directors is made up of eight representatives from the five major towns and three rural districts in the region. There are:
- two representatives from the Cardston area (one from the town and the other coming from the rural district),
- two representatives from the Pincher Creek area (one from the town and the other coming from the rural district) and
- one representative from each of the Town of Claresholm, the Town of Fort Macleod, the Municipal District of Willow Creek and Waterton Lakes National Park.
There are also four staff, three of which are supported directly by Program funds:
- Manager Funded by CFP
- Two Business Analysts Funded by CFP
- One Business Analyst Funded by Alberta Human Resources and Employment (Self Employment Program)
The region is facing the gradual erosion of the rural population base and industry. The shrinking of Provincial delivery services has also impacted the area. Approximately two-thirds of the effort of the CFDC is directed to lending activities and advisory services to business (of which approximately 60% of this effort is associated with loans and the remainder is for stand alone advisory services). Approximately one-third of the total effort is focused on community development activities with a strong emphasis on being the catalyst and facilitating regional activities. There is reportedly significant opportunity in pursuing economic development strategies around tourism and the recreation industry.
West Yellowhead
The West Yellowhead CFDC is based in Hinton, Alberta with a region extending 60 miles west of Edmonton to the British Columbia border along Highway 16, as well as approximately 100 kilometers north and south of the highway. The Board of Directors is comprised of eight appointed members who are elected councilors (currently, two are mayors) from the participating communities of the Town of Edson, Town of Hinton, Town of Jasper, Town of Grande Cache and Yellowhead County. In addition, another specially designated non-voting member also sits on the Board.
The CFDC has a total of nine staff, of which Program funds directly support less than four individuals:
- Executive Director/General Manager CFP funded
- Business Analyst ½ CFP funded and ½ SEP
- Administrative Assistant CFP funded
- Community Development Officer CFP funded
- Reception (1/2 FTE) HRDC funded
- Five people working on a Socio Economic Impact Program (funded by Alberta Economic Development, Alberta Municipal Affairs and Rural Secretariat).
Although the oil and gas sector and tourism activity is up for the region, the contraction of the mining industry as well as the impact of the countervail duties in the forestry sector has had substantial negative impacts to the local economies. The region has further been impacted by the closure or downsizing of a number of coalmines in the area, which were significant employers for the region. It has been estimated that this has resulted in the loss of approximately 1,000 jobs. The multi year Socio Economic Impact Program has examined different opportunities for diversifying away from their resource based economies.
Key priorities for the CFDC include continuing community economic development programs that have been initiated, increasing the awareness of the West Yellowhead region, and providing business services to the community including assistance and guidance as well as the provision of business loans. It is anticipated that approximately 60% of their effort is directed to community development type initiatives with the remainder focused on the provision of these business services. Overall, the CFDC has been active in the communities, facilitating a regional approach to issues and encouraging stakeholder partnering.
Kitayan
The Kitayan CFDC operates under the guidance of a Board with ten Directors, one from each of the following member communities, which make up the service area:
- Garden Hill First Nation,
- Gods Lake Narrows First Nation,
- Gods River First Nation,
- Gods Narrows Community,
- Oxford house First Nation,
- Shamattawa First Nation,
- Red Sucker Lake First Nation,
- Wasagamack First Nation, and
- St. Theresa Point First Nation.
The CDFC perceives itself as a community support program, with established community initiatives and advising on economic and business development. The goals and objectives of the Kitayan CFDC are:
- Community planning and economic development.
- Provide investment capital to small business and the provision of services to local entrepreneurs.
- Provide in-depth research and planning.
- To assist in the improvement and effectiveness of economic development initiatives for the northeast region.
Neicom
The North East Interlake, or Neicom, CFDC is based in Riverton Manitoba, and provides business and community economic development services within the north-east Interlake region in Manitoba. The Board of Directors is comprised of twelve representatives from its region based on appointments made by municipal and First Nation governing bodies. The CFDC has a total of five staff that are directly supported through core funding from WD including the Chief Operating Officer and Business Development Manager.
The mission of the CFDC is to “engage in Community Economic Development within a regional context in order to increase the material wealth of individuals and organizations located in its prescribed geographical operating area.” This mission is to be accomplished by providing business and regional economic development support.
North Central
The North Central Development CFDC is based in Thompson Manitoba, and covers a region of approximately 133,000 square kilometers within the northern portion of the province. This service area currently encompasses seventeen communities. The desire for community involvement is a primary objective of the Board of Directors. As such, local governments in each of the seventeen communities have been approached and encouraged to name representatives to the sit on the Board.
The structure of CFDC includes:
- the Board of Directors,
- an Executive Committee (President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer),
- Investment Review Committee,
- Community Development Committee,
- Youth/Disabled Committee, and
- other advisory committees as required on a periodic basis.
According to the operating plans, WD core funding only accounts for about 30% of the CFDC’s total operating budget (i.e., $800,000).
Wheat Belt
The Wheat Belt CFDC has been in operation since 1987 and has its head office in Brandon, Manitoba. The service area encompasses the south-western region of Manitoba which includes 41 municipalities, 55 towns and villages, and the City of Brandon. The region covers approximately 12,000 square miles and has a population of approximately 110,000 people.
The Board of Directors is comprised of 14 regional representatives and the CFDC has a total of eight staff including the Executive Director. Its core purpose is defined as assisting rural communities with the development of strategies for dealing with a changing economic environment. Key priorities include continuing the success of its loan portfolio and to actively engage the communities in pragmatic economic development opportunities.
Sagehill
The Sagehill CFDC is based in Bruno Saskatchewan and covers a primarily agricultural region to the east of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Board of Directors is comprised of seven representatives and there is a total of four Program supported staff including the Chief Executive Officer. The Board members are nominated and elected from the group of individuals that hold a membership. Similar to many Chambers of Commerce or Credit Unions, for a small annual membership fee, members obtain benefits such as priority service and access to the CFDC’s Members’ First program.
Key priorities include increasing the capacity in management capabilities and promoting entrepreneurship in the region through a variety of training and educational programs, providing loan funding, and facilitating community economic development initiatives. In addition, the CFDC has organized the Youth Business Excellence Program as well as a business planning competition for students in grades six through to twelve.
Prince Albert
The Prince Albert and District CFDC commenced operations in 1997, and belongs to the Prince Albert Alliance, a group of organizations committed to the promotion of economic development. Members include the City of Prince Albert, Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce, the River Bank Development Corporation, Prince Albert Region Aboriginal Business Association, Prince Albert Regional Economic Development Authority, and the Government of Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development.
The mandate of the CFDC is to function as a "small business start-up and assistance centre". This is achieved by:
- Providing business counseling, business plan assistance, and consulting services (including small business support services and access to the Internet).
- Administering loan funds and providing access to capital to small business.
- Providing small business education and training services.
- Providing small business (and program) information services, including a business resource library.
- Being active in community economic development activities.
Visions North
The Visions North CFDC, based in La Ronge Saskatchewan, covers the top Eastern one-third of Saskatchewan in addition to the entire far northern region of the province. Its service area is large, with difficult access to remote areas. The Board of Directors is comprised of fourteen community representatives. Approximately 80% its activity is with Aboriginal communities including the Metis Nation #1 and #2 and the six First Nations of the Visions North Region.
The CFDC has a total of seven staff, with Program funds supporting over five personnel:
- General Manager CFP funded
- Executive Administrator CFP funded
- Asst Executive Administrator CFP funded
- Senior Loans Officer CFP funded
- Financial Manager CFP funded
- CED Officer and SEB coordinator ½ CFP funded and ½ provincially funded
- Canadian Technology Network Facilitator NRC funded
Key priorities include enhancing management capabilities and promoting
entrepreneurship in the region through a variety of training and
educational programs, as well as providing loan funding, and facilitating
community economic development initiatives. A significant challenge
in the region is addressing and enhancing the level of business
understanding and skills development. Through continued support
during the loan application process and after care support, training
and educational programs, and broader community initiatives, the
CFDC focuses on meeting these needs.