Community Futures-Shuswap offers a broad range of programs and services that are designed to meet local and regional needs. We welcome contact from community members and business owners to further explore how Community Futures can assist.

Business Loans

A primary focus of Community Futures Shuswap is to provide availability to financial resources which might not otherwise be available to individuals to start and/or expand a small business within our service delivery region. Community Futures Shuswap helps businesses grow by offering financing to approved businesses or projects, where financing cannot be obtained through conventional sources.

Since 1986, Community Futures Shuswap has lent more than $18 million to start or expand small businesses in the Shuswap which has in turn created nearly 2500 new jobs in our service area.

Community Futures Shuswap currently administers the following loan funds; each designed to help you in achieving success in your business.

Self Employment Benefits Program

The Self Employment Benefits Program is a federally funded program that is designed to support individuals to effectively assess business concepts, develop business plans and launch community-based business ventures.

This program is designed for people who are eligible to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits or who have received EI benefits during the last 3 years (or 5 years if you have been on parental leave) and wish to become self-employed.

Under this program, individuals who are eligible may receive financial support for 1-12 month period, while training and starting their own small business.

Wage Subsidy Program

The Employment Wage Subsidy (EWS) program offers funding is to connect employers with skilled, motivated workers as well as support job seekers that are entering the workplace, by offering employers funding to share the cost of on the job work experience.

Subsidy funding can range from 25% - 60% of the total wage (some conditions apply) for a period of up to six months. Employers are required to provide business information before funding can be put in place. Once the agreement has started, employers send in a monthly claim form with a small activity report, pay stubs, and time sheets. The Employment Wage Subsidy Coordinator assists each employer with the first claim and is always available to assist on an ongoing basis.

Video Conferencing

Community Futures- Shuswap is part of the Community Futures British Columbia Video Conferencing Network which can improve the ability to effectively communicate with businesses, organizations and opportunities from across BC. With 33 locations available, this innovative information sharing resource uses interactive audio, video and computer technologies allows participants to simultaneously see, hear and speak with one another at a distance. The applications of video conferencing are limitless and include training, meetings, announcements, and even staff recruitment; all at a fraction of the time and expense associated with sending participants to a single out of community meeting location.

Technology Access

Community Futures-Shuswap offers participant and business community member access to the free access to the internet at our community internet portal.

Resource Library

In an effort to increase community access to business resources, Community Futures-Shuswap has established a business resource library which is available for community members to access.

Small Business Supports

As a small business resource centre, Community Futures-Shuswap offers community access to our team of Business Analysts. Those considering entrepreneurship and small business ownership as an option can access our Business Analysts for guidance and direction related to business viability assessment, cash flow analysis and general business inquiries.

* Source 2 year post program evaluation

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