Community Futures Program - CFP
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
Last Verified:
2006-04-12
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With core funding assistance provided by Western Economic Diversification (WD), Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) take a grassroots approach to community and economic development with the primary focus on job creation in areas outside major urban centres. There are 90 CFDCs across Western Canada. They are non-profit corporations run by volunteer boards of directors, supported by salaried staff. CFDCs deliver a variety of services to small businesses, including advisory services and financing.
Eligibility Criteria
Businesses and communities within these CFDC areas are eligible.
Summary
The mandate of the Community Futures Development Corporations is community and business development. Each CFDC delivers a variety of services ranging from:
- local strategic economic planning;
- technical and advisory services to businesses;
- loans to small and medium enterprises;
- self-employment assistance programs; and
- services targeted to youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities.
CFDC Loan Program
A wide range of services and financing opportunities are available to small businesses and entrepreneurs at the local CFDC. In general, businesses seeking financing must:
- be located in a rural area of one of the four Western provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia);
- be operating, or about to operate, in a designated CFDC area;
- contribute to local economic growth;
- be seeking financing of up to $150 000.
Loans on commercial terms, equity financing, and loan guarantees are available through the CFDCs. Applications are assessed by the CFDC's local volunteer Board of Directors. Training and assistance on preparing business plans are also available at the CFDC offices.
CFDCs also deliver the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program, which provide loans of up to $125 000 to entrepreneurs with disabilities (see the document Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program).
As each CFDC community is different, specific financing activities undertaken by each individual CFDC varies from community to community. For further information, contact the Community Futures Development Corporation in your area.
Finding your CFDC
To find the CFDC that services your community, please visit WD's Business Service Network database or refer to the document specific to each province.
For more information, please visit the WD Web site or the Web site of the Western Canada Community Futures Association.
Saskatchewan Contact(s):
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Room 601, S.J. Cohen Building
119 - 4th Avenue South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 3S7
Telephone: (306) 975-4373
Fax: (306) 975-5484
Toll-free (information): 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
E-mail: info.sask@wd.gc.ca
Web site:
http://www.deo.gc.ca/default_e.asp
National Contact(s):
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Suite 1500, Canada Place
9700 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 4H7
Telephone: (780) 495-4164
Fax: (780) 495-4557
Toll-free (information): 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
E-mail: info.alberta@wd.gc.ca
Web site:
http://www.deo.gc.ca/default_e.asp
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