Community Futures South Georgian Bay

11/03/2026

Join us for Connect + Rise + Socialize!
A casual networking opportunity designed for women in business.

💚Connect in a welcoming environment through guided conversations led by Business Coach Amy Vodarek, designed to spark meaningful discussions, new perspectives, and authentic connections with fellow women in business.

💚Rise through mindfulness activities that encourage self-reflection, help you recharge, and create space to focus on both personal and professional growth.

💚Socialize with like-minded women as you celebrate successes, share challenges, and build relationships within a supportive community created specifically for women business owners and entrepreneurs.

This event also offers a glimpse into the collaborative, encouraging, and peer-supported environment of our upcoming Female Founders Network program set to launch January 2027.

December 2 from 5 pm to 7 pm
22 Market St. Collingwood
$10 per person | light refreshments and hot chocolate bar included.

☕ Bring your own favourite mug or vessel for hot chocolate if you’re able!

To help create meaningful conversations and a comfortable space for sharing, attendance is limited and registration is required through our Eventbrite.

Invest in yourself and join us!

Join us for a cozy and inspiring evening featuring facilitated discussions, guided reflection, mindfulness activities, and hot chocolate!

10/26/2026

💡 What should entrepreneurs know about Community Futures?

We asked Board Member Joann Bowden who has been with our organization for over 20 years!

Our Board is a group of experienced professionals who volunteer their time, knowledge, and expertise to help guide our organization and support local entrepreneurs. When you apply for a loan with us you are also getting expert guidance and recommendations not just from us, but also from our Board.

Joann shares her favourite thing about being part of the Board, along with insights for business owners who may not realize the full range of support available through Community Futures. Better than a bank!

Get to know one of the local leaders helping champion small business success across South Georgian Bay.

10/15/2026

Good Accessibility is Good Business!🚪

Want to better understand accessibility and create a more welcoming experience for customers? Join the Town and Breaking Down Barriers for a free Tourism & Accessibility Workshop to:

✅ Learn how improving accessibility can support business growth
✅ Understand your responsibilities under the AODA
✅ Hear lived experience perspectives from community members
✅ Explore how to use the AccessNow app to showcase your business's accessibility features
✅ Leave with practical tips, checklists, and resources you can put to use right away

📅 November 2, 2026
🕕 6:00 p.m.
📍Collingwood Public Library, 55 Ste Marie St., 3rd floor
🍽️ Light refreshments provided
🔗Register today and... Open Your Door to More! https://ow.ly/VzXK50ZWuKG

10/15/2026

A new rural collab joining forces to expand access to financing and advice.

BDC and Community Futures across Canada have announced a new $100 million initiative to help business owners in rural and remote communities access financing and business support.

Rural Canada is home to more than 520,000 entrepreneurs, many of whom face unique challenges when it comes to accessing capital and services. This investment will help more businesses start, grow, and create opportunities in their communities.

By combining BDC's financing expertise with Community Futures' local knowledge and community connections, entrepreneurs will have greater access to the tools and support they need to succeed.

We're proud to be part of a network that continues to invest in the people and businesses that keep rural communities strong.

📍 Supporting rural entrepreneurs across Grey County, Simcoe County, and Dufferin County.

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

Not sure if you qualify for business financing?

Community Futures South Georgian Bay provides financing to support business start-ups, business growth, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, and other business-related needs.

If you're unsure whether you are eligible, reach out to our team or take a quick swipe through, we're happy to discuss your unique situation and explore your options.

Contact us today to learn more.

📍Proudly supporting rural small businesses and entrepreneurs across 13 municipalities and West Simcoe, South Grey, and Dufferin Counties.

Community Futures is non-profit funded by the Government of Canada through FedDevOntario

10/08/2026

💡 What should entrepreneurs know about Community Futures?

We asked Board Member & Secretary Vanessa Locicero.

Our Board is a group of experienced professionals who volunteer their time, knowledge, and expertise to help guide our organization and support local entrepreneurs.

Vanessa shares her favourite thing about being part of the Board, along with insights for business owners who may not realize the full range of support available through Community Futures.

Get to know one of the local leaders helping champion small business success across South Georgian Bay.

🎥 Watch now and leave a 👋 for Vanessa in the comments!

10/08/2026

Our phone line is temporarily down as we transition to a new service. If you need to get in touch with us, please email [email protected] and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding, we apologize for any inconvenience! 💚

10/02/2026

Understand the numbers behind your business.

Join us for this interactive workshop with Tracy Harding from Balanced Bookkeeping. Designed for small business owners who want to better understand their financials without the accounting jargon. We’ll break down bookkeeping basics in a clear and practical way!

📅October 20th from 10am to 12 pm

📍22 Market Street Collingwood

💲Investment: $20 per person

To get the most value from the workshop, participants are encouraged to bring a recent Income Statement and Balance Sheet from their business.

Join us and walk away feeling more confident about the financial side of your business.

Learn more and sign up at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2001400661254?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/28/2026

All your favourite brands started out as a small business and some even started at Community Futures!

As we continue to celebrate our 40th anniversary we want to highlight some of our local clients from the past 4 decades.

Blue Mountain Collision Services has really scaled since its inception and when it outgrew its original 5,200 sq. ft. facility, owners Emma and Albert Hutten saw an opportunity to take their business to the next level.

In 2016, they partnered with Community Futures South Georgian Bay and the Business Development Bank of Canada to support the expansion and relocation of their collision repair shop from the Town of The Blue Mountains to a brand-new 12,000 sq. ft. facility in Collingwood.

Today, Blue Mountain Collision Services continues to grow by combining industry expertise, advanced technology, and a commitment to exceptional customer service.

At Community Futures South Georgian Bay, we're proud to support local entrepreneurs like Albert and Emma.