Community Futures Central Okanagan

10/24/2025

Small Business is wrapping up and we want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Open House on Oct 15, 2025.

As we reflect on 35 years of serving the Central Okanagan, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible relationships we’ve built with our local business community, partners, and entrepreneurs. Your trust, collaboration, and commitment have shaped our journey and continue to inspire the work we do every day.

It was wonderful to celebrate alongside so many familiar faces — and new ones — who share our passion for building a strong, innovative, and resilient local economy.

We’d also like to extend a special thank-you to our amazing community partners — Women’s Enterprise Centre of BC, Export Navigator, Community Futures British Columbia, and BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) — for their ongoing collaboration and shared vision of supporting entrepreneurs across the province.

Here’s to 35 years of growth, partnership, and community — and to the many more ahead!

10/16/2025

Community Futures and BDC Joint Loan Initiative – Business Elevation Loan: British Columbia Launch

Yesterday, we had the honor of hosting the British Columbia launch event for the Business Elevation Loan, a new joint loan initiative between Community Futures and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

The event brought together an incredible lineup of speakers, including MP Stephen Fuhr, Miguel Barriers, Chief Community Banking and Impact Officer with BDC, Troy Dungate, President of Community Futures Canada, and Bradley Field, CEO of Pre Labs — each sharing valuable insights on collaboration, innovation, and supporting entrepreneurs.

This initiative marks a significant milestone for Community Futures offices across Canada. Together with BDC, we’re combining expertise, resources, and innovative financing solutions to empower small businesses and strengthen economic growth in communities across the country.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this exciting step forward for rural and local entrepreneurship!

10/16/2025

Big News for Rural Entrepreneurs Across Canada!

We’re thrilled to announce that BDC and the Community Futures Network of Canada are partnering to launch a $100 million initiative — expanding access to financing and expert advice for entrepreneurs in rural and remote communities.

Through BDC’s Community Banking, this collaboration will help unlock growth, create local jobs, and strengthen rural economies — ensuring entrepreneurs can thrive wherever they are across the country. 🇨🇦

Learn more about how we’re building bridges and driving positive change from coast to coast to coast 👉 https://ow.ly/MfxP50XbLtG

10/09/2025

We’re marking 35 incredible years of supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Central Okanagan!

📅 Date: October 15, 2025
🕞 Time: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: 210-1726 Dolphin Ave, Kelowna BC

Join us for an open house celebration filled with networking, great conversations, and inspiration. Meet fellow business owners, connect with industry experts, and discover resources to help your business grow and succeed.

Come celebrate our vibrant small business community — we couldn’t have done it without you! 💚

08/14/2025

Looking for ways to reduce your waste impact at home or at your business?

Join us for our final Sustainable Business Leadership session with Allisha Heidt, Founder of Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery for an evening waste audit workshop! We'll also be talking B Corp., enjoying a provided dinner, mingling, and shopping!

Spots are limited, please sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1542940369179?aff=oddtdtcreator

07/23/2025

06/24/2025

Thank you to those who joined us to celebrate 25 years of Urban Harvest Organic Delivery!

Lisa and her devoted team have been a stellar example in demonstrating how committing to sustainable practices benefits all stakeholders and creates meaningful impact in our community!

If you missed it or want to learn more about their story and impact please check out the video!

Promoting sustainability, helping farmers and fortifying the local food system in Kelowna, Lisa McIntosh is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her business,...

05/27/2025

We're excited to welcome Lisa McIntosh of Urban Harvest as the featured leader in the third instalment of our Sustainable Business Leadership Series!

Lisa and the Urban Harvest team are celebrating an incredible 25 years in business! To mark to occasion and highlight their impact, we invite you to an open-house event to connect, learn, and enjoy some awesome product samples!

Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1366148650389?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/13/2025

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the second event in our Sustainable Development Leadership Series! A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of learning all about electric vehicles with Dale, Founder of Current Taxi. Attendees even had the chance to test drive some of Ford’s top EV models! It was also the perfect occasion to recreate Current's original ribbon-cutting ceremony as they officially launched their new shuttle services.

04/08/2025

Join us for the next session of our Sustainable Leadership Series! Dale Conway, CEO of Current Taxi has partnered with Orchard Ford and Limitless EV to host an eventful afternoon of all things EV!
More info & sign up:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1297305177709?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/25/2025

March is almost here, and we're planning to celebrate the incredible power of women all month long! Join us in honour of International Women's Day as we bring you a series of events designed to empower and elevate women in business in Kelowna. Let’s lift each other up and make this a month of growth and connection! !

Please register via Eventbrite:

March 7th: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1248589878939?aff=oddtdtcreator

March 14th: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1259914330679?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/12/2025

We are now accepting applications for the Community Futures Self Employment Program March 24, 2025 intake.

Application deadline is February 28, 2025.

Contact Megan at 250-868-2132 ext. 239 for more information or visit our website at: https://cfdcco.com/services/self-employment-program