Kelly McBride BDC Officer, center, with clients Wendy and Guillermo Rosas of The Nanaimo Wine Shoppe
NANAIMO – Investing in the community’s economic future is what Community Futures Central Vancouver Island is all about.
Since its inception in 1975, the not for profit organization has helped over 6,000 businesses start up or expand by providing financing in excess of $65 million. They primarily support small to medium sized enterprises from Ladysmith to Bowser, while providing business loans, strategic planning and business advisory services.
Executive Director Jolynn Green
“As an organization our objective is to remain relevant to business and the community by being conscious of the global economy that impacts our work,” states Executive Director Jolynn Green. “We can see the challenges that are affecting the economic stability of our communities. As we speak with clients and community members, we understand how stretched resources are. We understand the importance of working on one’s business.”
Many businesses realize that an objective, independent advisor can provide them with fresh new perspectives, improve their general business effectiveness and expand market reach.
“Coaching encourages highly engaged business owners and entrepreneurs to bridge the gap to resiliency and gives these leaders the opportunity to strengthen specific business, communication, leadership or managerial skills,” Jolynn adds. “We’re with our clients every step of the way, supporting them in their business’ progression to greater success and growth.”
CFCVI has supported entrepreneurial training through programs such as the Self Employment Program and LEAP! Oceanside. They have also supported multiyear initiatives such as Salmon in the City and Nanaimo River Fish Hatchery, The Nanaimo Conference Center as an inaugural meeting space sponsor and the French Creek Harbour Improvement Project. They funded $1 million towards Vancouver Island University’s Deep Bay Marine Station and the International Center for Sturgeon Studies and supported Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce with economic development strategies in 2016 and 2022.
CFCVI team, from left: Jolynn Green Executive Director, Brenda Boyd Loans & Office Administrator and Kelly McBride Business Development & Credit Officer
They have assisted in millions of dollars’ worth of grant applications for numerous organizations, and have partnered with funding agencies to provide programming such as Survive and Thrive and Thriving Non Profits to the region. They also provided 18 months of Business Recovery and Resiliency Coaching to the region funded by Island Coastal Economic Trust and the Province of BC, assisting 50 entrepreneurs and creating and/or maintaining 97 jobs over the pandemic.
Their most recent partnership is with the ICET delivering the Rural Business Advisory Program across Vancouver Island, supporting communities and businesses within the Regional Districts of Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Alberni Clayoquot, Comox Valley, Strathcona and Mount Waddington.
“Our goal is to support business persons through their entrepreneurial journey,” says Green. “We fund dreams by empowering entrepreneurs to start, grow or scale their business to higher levels of success and contribution,” she adds. “Our mission is to ensure we leave all our clients feeling supported and informed.”
by Mark MacDonald
Sponsored by:
Meat Craft, Coastal Community Credit Union & Small Business BC.