Welcome to our quarterly Futurescape newsletter! We hope you enjoy our content this quarter
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Client Profile - Haida Art Studio & Gifts
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“Community Futures helped me realize my dream of having my
own Haida art gift shop.”
Lisa White-Kuuyang, Owner/
Operator, Gin Kuyaas
Housed inside a traditional long house situated in the ancient village site of Kayang, Gin Kuyaas - Haida Art Studio & Gifts, offers artists and art lovers alike a true taste of Haida heritage, culture and artwork.
“As a Haida weaver and artist with a variable income, it is often difficult if not impossible to qualify for a loan from a financial institution,” says Lisa White-Kuuyang, Owner/Operator and Haida artist. “Community Futures worked with me on my business plan and supported me with a start-up loan for Gin Kuyaas -Haida Art Studio & Gifts.”
Gin Kuyaas means ‘Precious Things’ in the Haida language, and Lisa has made it her mission to embed her Haida culture into all aspects of her business. “At Gin Kuyaas, we like to share our knowledge about the history, language, stories and issues of our Haida people. We need visitors to appreciate and respect the special qualities of our beautiful lands, waters and people of Haida Gwaii,” she explains.
When asked what she is most proud of in being a business owner, Lisa tells us, “When customers purchase items from us, they are supporting a Haida-owned business, the 60+ local artists/craftspeople we purchase from, and they are helping the local economy of Old Massett.”
With views overlooking the inlet, customers can peruse the longhouse studio, enjoying authentic Haida art, custom apparel with Haida designs- including a unique Gin Kuyaas line designed by Lisa White-Kuuyang and with artwork by Nang K’iidaa Leegas Jordon Seward, traditional cedar woven hats, Haida carved jewelry and a range of souvenirs.
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How to Start Your Own Business.
Using your car to pick up passengers or deliver take-out, may not make your heart sing. Yet, like thousands of others , you may be looking for ways to turn your talents into a side business to help supplement your income.
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How To Write a Business Plan.
Now that you understand why you need a business plan and you've spent some time doing your homework gathering the information you need to create one, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get everything down on paper.
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What Can Financial Literacy Do For Your Business?
In the early 2000s, university researchers around the world became very active in financial literacy research. In one early study, three very basic questions about interest, inflation and risk were developed.
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5 Ways to Begin a Productive Day Before You Get Out of Bed
What is the first thing you do when you wake up? Do you check your cell phone, worry about yesterday’s problems, or find yourself grumbling about all you have to do? If so, you’re waking up on the wrong side of the bed.
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How to Create a Social Media Marketing Strategy in 8 Easy Steps.
A social media marketing strategy is a summary of everything you plan to do and hope to achieve on social media. It guides your actions and lets you know whether you’re succeeding or failing. Every post, reply, like, and comment should serve a purpose.
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9 Ways High Performing Entrepreneurs Handle Stress
Stress
is often the result of high levels of activity over a sustained period of time. We feel pushed to the brink. We feel overwhelmed and anxious because we’re constantly engaged. To maintain our mental and physical health and be successful over the long term, it’s crucial to find ways of keeping stress from taking hold.
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CF Volunteer of the Year 2018
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Community Futures recognized their Volunteers of the Year during National Volunteer Week, we greatly appreciate the support and contributions of all our volunteers, without whom our success would not be possible. We will be featuring the winners throughout the year in our Newsletters:
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Community Futures Peace Liard
Nominee Name:
Cameron Shulz
Cameron jointed Community Futures Peace Liard Board in 2015. In that time Cameron has been a very dedicated volunteer to the organization. His wealth of business knowledge and experience has been very valuable to the board of directors, as well as a strong voice on the Loans Committee. Cameron’s volunteer work doesn’t end here. He also sits on another board of directors in the community of Dawson Creek as well as commits time to the Bear Mountain Ski Hill. In all of this Cameron has a busy family life and him and his wife Tawnya run three very successful businesses in Dawson Creek as well as business partnerships in Hudson Hope and Fort St John. Just recently Cameron had to resign due to commitments to his business and family and there will definitely be a noticeable void at our meetings.
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Community Futures Central Island
Nominee Name:
Adam Hawryluk
Adam joined the Central Island Board in October of 2011 representing youth through the Young Professionals of Nanaimo of which he was President in 2013. He served as Board Treasurer for two years, Vice-Chair of our Loans Committee for three years and is currently Chair of the Loans Committee. Adam also served on the Marketing Committee for several years and on our Audit Committee when Treasurer. He is a past member of the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Board, chaired the “Connect VI” conference in 2012, and facilitated an access to capital session representing Community Futures at the SOHO Summit in 2017. As a mortgage expert at DLC Canadian Mortgage Experts, Adam understands what business owners are facing today, especially young entrepreneurs. Adam and his wife Michelle were thrilled to welcome their daughter, Frances, into this world on Valentine’s Day of this year.
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Community Futures Greater Trail
Nominee Name:
Gerald Klassen
As a young man in his 20s, Gerald’s love of endurance sports led to the opening the first Gerick Sports store in Trail in 1983, and its success allowed for expansion into other communities. He may have “retired” from the retail business but the legacy lives on through 3 independently owned/operated Gerick stores located in Trail, Nelson, and Cranbrook.
His strong entrepreneurial spirit and community devotion fit naturally with Community Futures and we were thrilled to welcome him to the Board of Directors in 2015. True to his nature, Gerald sits on numerous CF committees – Loans, Projects, Self-Employment Program, and Recruitment – and is an avid participant, supporter, and ambassador for Community Futures.
Gerald continues to maintain close relationships in the business community by providing valuable mentorship to up-and-coming entrepreneurs, as well as succession planning advice to business owners who are ready to pass the torch.
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Community Futures Nadina
Nominee Name:
Jean Gerow Marr
Jean Gerow is President at Nadina Community Futures. As president she has demonstrated superior leadership skills, participated at the highest level at Community, Regional and Provincial Community Futures events. Jean sits on several committees within the organization. She is the past President of the Burns Lake Rotary Club, Pas President of the Houston Chamber of Commerce ad site on the Houston Curling Club Board. Jean has been a Guest Speaker at a number of events, including The International Women’s Day. Jean Gerow Marr is an entrepreneur herself, having purchased a local Houston newspaper which she has subsequently expanded to become a regional publication.
In spite of her very busy scheduled, Jean is the first to volunteer for any community event.
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Community Futures North Cariboo
Nominee Name:
Debbie Wiens
Debbie joined our Board in 2014; she is, without a doubt, an asset to the team. Debbie is community minded. She supports and promotes CFNC, small businesses and entrepreneurism. Debbie is a partner in an accounting firm. She comes with a wealth of knowledge and skills and she share these with us as needed. She is incredibly dependable, friendly and approachable – she consistently makes herself available whenever we need her! Debbie is also an active member of the Rotary and volunteers her time and skills to other charities and groups throughout our community. We are incredibly grateful that Debbie has joined our team and remains a dedicated member.
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Community Futures North Okanagan
Nominee Name:
Bryon Brandle
Bryon is a Lawyer, Realtor and Developer. He practiced law for several years with a major Vancouver law firm and is the former Broker Owner of several RE/MAX real estate brokerage offices in the North Okanagan and Shuswap area, along with a substantial General Insurance Agency. He is a member of Law Society of BC, Canadian Bar Association, Real Estate Institute of Canada, Real Estate Institute of BC, Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board. He has sat on various Provincial and local boards including, the Real Estate Council of British Columbia, Community Foundation of the North Okanagan, Teen Junction Initiative Society and Vernon Winter Carnival Society.
Bryon is presently a director and Vice Chair of the British Columbia Real Estate Errors & Omissions Insurance Corporation and a Director and Vice Chair of the Community Futures of the North Okanagan, along with being an active member of the Governance, HR and Executive Committees.
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Western Economic Diversification Tour
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Community Futures Network of Canada Chair Wendy Smitka and Barbara Motzney WED Assistant Deputy Minister-Policy and Strategic Direction spent the day touring CF clients in Vernon and Kelowna on Monday June 25th.
In Kelowna they visited Perfit Dental Solutions, syndicated loan client , Natures Formulae and Mazu, former loan client and CF Central Okanagan equity investment.
In Vernon the businesses visited were LEAP Art Supplies and Studio, Jolly Good Spudz and Okanagan Valley School of Massage Therapy
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Small Business Engagement Taskforce
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On June 28th CFBC attended the Small Business Taskforce Engagement Session at the Best Western in Kelowna. This was the final of seven sessions held across the province to seek ideas from entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the province on how to maintain and strengthen a healthy small business sector in BC.
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On July 6th CFBC attended the Wildfire Recovery Cruise in Williams Lake. Our Network Support Assistant Keely Critchley was on hand along with the team from CF Alberni Clayoquot, advising the public about how they can help by joining the recovery cruise. They also provided information on Community Futures programs and initiatives, and handed out some great swag prize giveaways
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BC Digital Supercluster Meeting
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On July 24th and 25th, CFBC Executive Director Cheryl Johnson, had the opportunity to participate in a couple of information sessions hosted by the Digital Technology Supercluster consortium, the first held at CF North Cariboo and the second held at the Northern Development Initiative Trust office in Prince George. The Digital Technology Supercluster is a consortium of some of the world’s biggest names in healthcare, telecommunications, natural resources and computing, along with start-ups, SMEs, researchers and post-secondary institutions - all working together to solve some of the most pressing productivity, health and sustainability challenges facing Canada and the world today. The purpose of the visit was to share an update on the status of this new Digital Technology Supercluster initiative and organization, and forthcoming opportunities for communities throughout British Columbia.
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Western Economic Diversification Entrepreneur Tour
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On Wednesday, August 8th, CFBC had the opportunity to spend the day with WD ADM Barbara Motzney, WD Director of Strategic Initiatives Kay Saicheua and WD Sr Program Officer Helen Glavinic-Bakker, spotlighting the CF program and the great work we do in support of entrepreneurs, small business & CED throughout rural B.C.
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Community Futures Annual Conference & CFBC AGM
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This years Community Futures Annual Conference took place in Merritt and was hosted by Community Futures Nicola Valley.
Thursday September 13th
Day one of the event featured the CFBC AGM, where our annual elections took place, t
hree Volunteer Directors were elected to serve for three years and two General Managers’
Representatives were elected to serve for two years.
We welcome our new Board Members, Charlotte Ferreux, Mike Guarnery and Tom Hoffman and our new Managers' Representatives John Farrell and Cathy Robertson.
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Friday September 14th
Day two of the event featured some wonderful speakers,
Jim Harris with Disruptive Innovation and Collaboration, Roger Brooks with CED and a presentation to Merritt Business owners and Eric Termuende with Youth Entrepreneurship.
Gerry Salambier, A
ssistant Deputy Minister, BC Region of Western Economic Diversification Canada presented an
update on WED activities.
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Saturday September 15th
The event culminated on day three with a western themed gala where CFBC gave out their annual awards; Adam Hawryluk from CF Central Island won the Al McCracken Memorial Award, Wanda Zink also from CF Central Island won the Don McMillan Memorial award, Central Island also scooped the Investment Portfolio award.
Vancity was awarded the Partnership award and CF Central Kootenay won the award for Excellence and Innovation.
We were honoured to welcome the honourable George Chow, Minister of State for Trade to the event.
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CFBC Welcomes a New EDP Project Coordinator
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On September 14th CFBC welcomed our newest team member, John Morrow. John comes with 15 years experience in Vocational Rehabilitation/Disability Management as well as a number of years helping new immigrants secure gainful employment as an Immigrant Employment Case Manager. John is passionate about the non-profit sector, especially when it comes to helping people with disabilities and new immigrants reach their employment goals. In his spare time, you can always find John fishing and hiking alongside the many rivers and lakes in rural BC. If you are a person with a disability and looking for information on either our rural or urban program contact John on 604 289 4222 x 226
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Support Available For Rural Business Impacted By The 2017 Wildfires
Rural small businesses that have been impacted by the 2017 wildfires in British Columbia can access help in the recovery process from their local Community Futures office. Five Community Futures offices in the areas affected by the wildfires – Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin, Central Interior First Nations, North Cariboo, Sun Country, and Thompson Country – are providing targeted support to help small businesses rebuild as part of the Wildfire Business Transition Project.
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The Wildfire Transition Projects aim is to help businesses in the following ways:
Ambassador Program
The Ambassador Program was put in place to make contact with local businesses affected by the fires and assist them with the financial claims they were entitled to. As of Aug 31st 1,439 businesses in the region received direct assistance from the three Community Futures organizations (North Cariboo, Cariboo Chilcotin and Sun Country).
Business and Not-For-Profit Training Program
A training program designed to provide businesses and not-for-profits affected by the 2017 wild fire season with financial assistance, to access self-directed training for themselves or their employees. Eligible organizations can apply for up to a maximum of $10,000 in training support. So far 113 businesses have submitted and been approved for training assistance. They in turn have submitted 91 owner/management training plans and another 98 employee
training plans. As a result, to date, $240,000 has been allocated to those businesses that submitted training plans. It is expected that another $170,000 will be allocated for training under the program once additional business that have been approved as eligible for the program submit their training plans.
Other Workshops/Seminars/Webinars
In addition to the self-directed training program outlined above, the three Community Futures groups are offering a series of workshops/seminars/webinars free of charge, in areas such as Disaster preparedness, Basic Bookkeeping, Financial Analysis etc and those that have already delivered have proved very popular and useful. to find out more about upcoming workshops/seminars/webinars visit our
website
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Announcing the 8th Annual Inspire Event
Presented in partnership with Canada Post, this year's INSPIRE event will take place on
October 1, 2018
at Vancouver’s iconic Science World. Revolving around the theme of Operating a Business with a Purpose, the event will feature a networking reception, a keynote speech from Nature's Path Co-Founder and COO Ratana Stephens, and an interactive panel featuring five inspirational speakers from successful local businesses.
Purchase tickets
for this incredible evening of learning, sharing, and entrepreneurial inspiration.
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Canadian Export Challenge for Newcomer Entrepreneurs
Apply to Pitch Your Company to Win a Grand Prize of $10,000 Cash & $100,000 in Support at Startup Canada Global Accelerator October 2nd
- Gain free access to the Canadian Export Challenge Accelerator with a Graduation Certificate and pin.
- Get exposure to and support from Canada's export, trade, and growth ecosystem.
- Have a chance to pitch to win $10,000 in cash and $100,000 in support to scale.
- Receive exclusive information about trade missions, CTA cohorts, market intelligence and initiatives to help you scale globally.
Applications open until program is full (Space is limited)
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Startup Canada Day on the Hill 2018
Canada’s BIGGEST and most INFLUENTIAL entrepreneurship event on
October 18th, 2018!
Join hundreds of leading entrepreneurs, Canada’s companies, innovators, investors, politicians, and government decision makers from across Canada for the largest entrepreneurship event in Canada - Startup Canada Day on the Hill!
By attending, you will:
• Be inspired by cutting-edge keynotes from leading entrepreneurs, innovators and policy leaders;
• Participate in policy hack-a-thons;
• Receive invaluable advice from mentors in the Mentor Genius Lounge;
• Watch the Canadian Export Challenge Pitch Competition;
• Connect with potential new customers; and,
• Gain support and resources in the exhibitor hall Growth Fair.
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‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit
T
he The Vancouver Island State of the Island Economic Summit
is an annual gathering of business, community and government leaders sharing ideas, asking questions, networking, learning about new initiatives, and exploring opportunities. Anyone is welcomed to register and participate in the broad range of sessions which revolve around VIEA’s core principals of collaboration to add vitality to the Vancouver Island economy:
- promoting a sustainable and diversified economy for all residents of Vancouver Island economic region;
- promoting strong communities and First Nations along with careful stewardship of our natural resources;
- providing regional leadership for regional business attraction, retention and expansion;
- promoting regional initiatives that strengthens economic capacity;
- positioning Vancouver Island as an attractive option for business investment;
- fostering regional economic growth and diversification.
scheduled for Wednesday & Thursday,
October 24 & 25, 2018
at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo, British Columbia.
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BC CEO Awards
Date & Time
November 15, 2018 | 6:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
900 Canada Place Way
Vancouver BC V6C 3L5
Canada
Business in Vancouver, Deloitte and TEC Canada present the BC CEO Awards. Winning CEOs will be profiled in BIV October 2nd and honoured at a gala dinner where each winner will share their leadership lessons to an audience of Vancouver's business community
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We For She - Creating an Equal Future
Join current and emerging leaders for this powerful and engaging forum to create an equal future, Friday, November 16, 2018 | 8:00 a.m.
The 2018 WE FOR SHE Forum will be one of North America's largest gatherings of changemakers, influencers, equality advocates, business leaders and young women collaborating to advance equality. Our goal is to grow the Canadian economy by championing gender diversity in leadership as a business imperative.
Now in its fifth year, this year's forum will focus on Creating an Equal Future and the role we each play as leaders, champions, employers, and community members to further equality across Canada and beyond. This interactive day will provide thought provoking education and best practice sharing for business leaders as well as a variety of workshops for young leaders. The afternoon will bring everyone together to create action plans for an equal future.
Why attend?
- Be part of one of North America's largest event tackling gender equity in leadership.
- Learn from key influencers from around the world who are taking action to advance equality.
- Champion young people from throughout B.C. to shape change through their own choices.
- Discuss and commit to your personal action plan to contribute to the creation of an equal future.
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Community Futures British Columbia| 1-888-303-2232 | [email protected] | www.communityfutures.ca
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