COMMUNITY FUTURES FRASER FORT GEORGE

What We Offer

Programs

Self Employment Program

Regional Outreach Program

Agriculture in the Robson Valley

Export Navigator

LEAP Conference

Self Employed Program

Self Employment Services are designed to assist aspiring entrepreneurs with the information, skill development, resources, and coaching support they need to develop a business concept, prepare a business plan and launch the first year of business, while receiving EI or Living Assistance.

*The Self Employment program is available to participants by a referral process from WorkBC Employment Services Centres. A Case Manager at Work BC Employment Services Centres evaluates participant eligibility based on criteria and administers financial benefits.

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We are here to help

Community Futures of Fraser Fort George has been a proven leader in supporting rural entrepreneurs to survive and thrive in our community.

The businesses we serve are sometimes faced with many challenges including addressing disruptive change and economic uncertainties. We offer several programs to navigate these times.

Are you ready to take the leap?

Regional Outreach Program

At Community Futures Fraser-Fort George we believe that dreams, passion and a willingness to take risks builds communities and businesses, now and into the future.

However, COVID-19 has made a significant impact in Fraser Fort-George region. Some businesses have found new ways to evolve and expand, they are doing better than ever! But many of us are struggling to adapt operations to the changing economic and health recommendations, maintain our regular clients and find it hard make ends meet.

That’s why Community Futures has responded with the “Fraser-Fort George Outreach Program” .

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Agriculture in the Robson Valley

At Community Futures Fraser-Fort George we believe that dreams, passion and a willingness to take risks builds communities and businesses, now and into the future.

We are growing the Agriculture Sector in the Robson Valley.

Community Futures Fraser Fort George is continuing the program to support Robson Valley food producers in expanding their current operations by accessing new regional markets within the province.

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Register your business

One Stop Business Registry

Your OneStop for Business Registrations across all levels of government
OneStop lets you apply for and complete registrations for a new or existing business with local, provincial and federal governments.

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Export Navigator

Join us to lunch, learn, connect, and revel in the distinct gifts women have to offer the business world.

Your market just got bigger.

Export Navigator’s community-based advisors provide FREE support and ongoing guidance to help your business grow outside of B.C. Whether you need export advice or help with developing export strategies and researching new markets, we are standing by to connect you with expert guidance.

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Online Courses

Work at your own pace on your time.

We offer FREE online courses that can be fit into your schedule. Online courses that are free for everyone!

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Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

Have a disability and a dream for a business? Ask us about the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program.

We are here to guide you to success.

Self employment can be a great way for persons with a disability or an ongoing medical condition to achieve economic inclusion. Self employment is made more manageable through flexible hours, personalized work environments and a sense of control over your future.

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What to know more?

Contact us for more information regarding any of our programs.

Regional Outreach Program

Over the past 12 months we have listened to businesses and non-profits in the Fraser-Fort George region to understand the impacts of COVID-19 and explored ways that we can work together to support our community to flourish, even in the COVID-era. Through this project, Community Futures Fraser-Fort George will:

Listen deeply to the stories of 160 businesses and non-profit organizations from Mackenzie, Prince George and the Robson Valley, about the impact of COVID-19
Link businesses and non-profit organizations to programs, services and resources
Develop five “informed designs” – new project ideas to support communities to flourish
Amplify the voices of businesses and non-profit organizations in the Fraser-Fort George

Regional Business Liaisons will be out in the communities to meet with local businesses and hear their stories. The information they gather will be analyzed and shared with community partners to begin a collaborative dialogue on how to support communities during and after the pandemic.

Update September 2021:

The research for the Regional Business Liaison program was concluded in Summer 2021. We are grateful to all of the small business owners who took the time to meet with the Regional Business Liaisons and share their experiences and stories.

A report of the main findings has been developed and can be found here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Krystin Dubuc, Projects Coordinator for more information.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
FINAL REPORT

REGIONAL SPECIFIC REPORT: MACKENZIE

REGIONAL SPECIFIC REPORT: PRINCE GEORGE

REGIONAL SPECIFIC REPORT: ROBSON VALLEY

COVID-19 has changed our lives in the North. Let’s work together to make our region an even better place to live, work and play!

If you are interested in sharing your story, contact our office to schedule an appointment with the Regional Business Liaison in your community today!

Agriculture in the Robson Valley

At Community Futures Fraser-Fort George we believe that dreams, passion and a willingness to take risks builds communities and businesses, now and into the future.

Community Futures Fraser Fort George is continuing the program to support Robson Valley food producers in expanding their current operations by accessing new regional markets within the province. The activities of this program connect to the renewed discussions regarding food security within the province, as well as build a more resilient and diversified economy within the Robson Valley, by linking producers to markets within, or just outside provincial borders.

Within this program we launched a Robson Valley (Albreda to Dome Creek) specific Regional Market Opportunity Analysis to:

Improve understanding of what markets need to be considered by the Robson Valley agriculture sector
Identify infrastructure challenges/gaps
Provide recommendations for overcoming challenges/gaps.

The Robson Valley Regional Market Opportunity Analysis report can be found in

RVMOA Summary or in RVMOA_Market Analysis and Opportunities Report and Implementation Plan.

Export Navigator

Exporting allows you to expand the horizons of your small business beyond the local market. Export Navigator’s community-based advisors provide FREE support and ongoing guidance to help your business grow outside of B.C. Whether you need export advice or help with developing export strategies and researching new markets, we are standing by to connect you with expert guidance.

Our advisors offer:

An export readiness assessment
A business readiness assessment
Market entry strategy support
Market tools and information
Streamlined service connections to support services

Export Navigator is a partnership, with support provided by the Province of B.C., the Government of Canada, Small Business BC, Community Futures organizations, and Women’s Enterprise Centre.

Why Expand Your Markets?Diversifies Your Customer Base

Expanding to new markets increases the size of your target market, may broaden your product offering, and offset seasonal fluctuations in sales.

Increases Profitability

Increased production generally leads to economies of scale and decreased cost per unit, which increases your profit margins.

Fosters Innovation

Expanding to new markets fosters innovation in your goods and services, which enhances your competitiveness.

Are you ready to sell beyond your current market?

Has your company received sales inquiries from outside of British Columbia?
Does your company have excess production capacity or the ability to scale operations?
Is your company’s management willing to dedicate time and money to develop a new market for a sustained period of time?
Is your company willing to conduct market research?
Does your product or service have a competitive advantage (quality, price, innovation, etc.) over similar products in your target market?
Is your company able to secure financing to adapt, ship, and market your product in your target market?

Who is eligible?

Export Navigator is open to growth-oriented small and medium-sized businesses in B.C. in select regional service areas. Businesses must be willing to commit resources to the planning process, and sustaining a market entry strategy.

Export Navigator provides services in the following regions:

Cariboo & Northeast

Cariboo: Community Futures Fraser Fort George

Northeast: Community Futures Peace Liard

Kootenay Boundary: Community Futures Central Kootenay

North Okanagan: Community Futures North Okanagan

Pacific Northwest: Community Futures Pacific Northwest

Vancouver Island North: Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot

Vancouver Island South: Community Futures Cowichan

Specialized services are available for:

Indigenous-Owned Businesses: CFDC of Central Interior First Nations

Women-Owned Businesses: Women’s Enterprise Centre

Youth-Owned Businesses: Small Business BC

For businesses in the Lower Mainland and those outside of the program communities, the Province’s trade professionals and its network of international Trade and Investment Representatives are available to help your business.

Email us at info@exportnavigator.ca or visit www.exportnavigator.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will Export Navigator help my business access new markets?

You’ll receive in-person guidance from an advisor with advanced knowledge in market expansion strategies. Advisors connect businesses to the services they need, saving them time and money.

How quickly do I have to start entering new markets?

Entering new markets takes time. Export Navigator’s goal is to help businesses work efficiently and effectively towards achieving their identified opportunities. Export Navigator will help you create a growth plan that works for you.

How should I prepare to be part of the program?

You’ll need to commit time and resources to the research, planning and implementation of a market growth strategy. Strong program candidates are businesses that can scale up operations, are willing to adapt, and are able to self-fund or obtain financing for a sustained expansion strategy.

Is there a fee to participate in the Export Navigator program?

No. Essential services (market entry readiness assessment, business needs assessment, etc.) are free. Clients referred to third party service providers for additional support may be subject to a fee for services.

Will my business qualify to be part of Export Navigator?

If you own a growth-oriented small or medium-sized business in B.C., the first step is to apply. You’ll be asked to complete a self-assessment and meet with an advisor to determine if your business is right for Export Navigator.

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

Have a disability and a dream for a business? Ask us about the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

The Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) provides assistance to entrepreneurs with disabilities or ongoing health conditions to start or grow their businesses.

EDP is for entrepreneurs who:

Self-disclose a disability or ongoing health issue
Have a viable business idea, and have demonstrated commitment through research learning and planning
Is ready, willing and motivated to run their own business
Is creative, resourceful and ready for change
Needs additional support to overcome a barrier to entrepreneurship

EDP can provide:

Access to a network of business professionals and resources.
Business skills coaching
Business skills training

For more information on the program, contact our office today!