Community Futures Chinook

06/15/2026

Before you spend a dollar on your business idea, ask yourself these four questions.

A great idea isn't enough on its own. The most successful businesses solve a problem, fill a need, or create value that people are willing to pay for.

Before investing your time and money, ask yourself:
✓ Who would buy this?
✓ What problem does it solve?
✓ Why would someone choose it?
✓ How are people solving this problem today?

The best way to find out? Talk to potential customers, test your idea on a small scale, and be open to honest feedback.

Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin? Our business advisors can help you evaluate your idea, identify opportunities, and build a plan for success.

📍 Serving entrepreneurs across Southern Alberta.

Make an appointment at your local Community Futures office to take advantage of free business advice, or begin the loan application process. Get in touch.

06/10/2026

From Pet Lovers to Business Owners: Meet Hidden Spring Pet Resort

Tony and Michelle have been passionate dog lovers and owners their whole lives and now they’ve turned that passion into a one-of-a-kind pet destination just outside of Taber.

Hidden Spring Pet Resort offers both doggy daycare and boarding, complete with private suites and acres of outdoor play area, ensuring every guest is treated like family.

Don’t forget to check them out on social media!

06/04/2026

The path for female founders is different.

Your support system should be, too.

Our initiative for women in business is purpose-built to help you overcome unique challenges and seize your next opportunity.

Whether you’re scaling up or just starting out, this is for you.

Talk to an advisor to learn more about this unique opportunity. Link in bio.

05/20/2026

Spoiler: We're not a bank. 💸

We get it - when you're starting a business, money is the first thing on your mind.

But the businesses we work with will tell you the truth: it's everything else we offer that truly made all the difference. The advisor who actually picked up the phone. The person who helped turn a napkin idea into a real business plan. The support that was still there 2 years later.

That's Community Futures Chinook. And we've been doing it this way since 1985!

Make sure to send this to a local entrepreneur so they know how to access free support. 👇

05/09/2026

Come talk with us!

STOP WAITING FOR A GRANT.

You’re ready to grow your business, but you’re stuck waiting for the next funding cycle to open.

You’re building your schedule around government deadlines
You’re tired of the "apply and hope" lottery
You feel like your growth is on hold indefinitely

You don’t need a lucky break. You need a reliable plan.

We support the network of 27 local Community Futures offices
Access repayable business loans that move at your speed
Get coaching from local experts who understand your community

You don’t have to do this alone.
Find your local office.

05/05/2026

Always a pleasure to support local businesses doing what they do best. Want to learn how we can help? Call us at 403‑223‑2984 or email at [email protected]

04/21/2026

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house - your business needs it too 🌸

Q1 is done. Time to:
💰 Clean up your finances
🗂️ Declutter your systems
📱 Refresh your marketing
🧹 Organize your workspace
🎯 Review your goals

You don’t need to do it all at once! Pick ONE area this week. Spend 30 minutes cleaning it up. Next week, pick another. By the end of the month? Fresh start. Clear head. Ready for Q2.

Save this checklist & use it this spring!

Community Futures Chinook helps Southern Alberta entrepreneurs with the bigger spring cleaning items- business planning reviews, financial health checks, goal setting for Q2.

Check out our website or send us an email - we are looking forward to enjoying spring with you!

04/01/2026

We’re growing - and so is our team!!

Please join us in welcoming Travis Staples as our newest Business Advisor at Community Futures Chinook!

Travis is here to help local entrepreneurs turn ideas into action, navigate challenges, and build strong, sustainable businesses right here in our community.

If you’ve been thinking about starting or expanding your business, now’s a great time to connect!