Community Futures British Columbia took time out in 2010-11 to celebrate 25 years of success and gather stories of Community Futures clients that demonstrated the resiliency of entrepreneurs in rural BC.  Each and every story had an exciting tale to be showcased for the vital role these small businesses play in creating thriving and sustainable local economies.  Stories of taking new technologies to market, value added manufacturing in hard hit economic areas and developing export markets.  More than any other economic driver, small business provides the diversity and opportunities to help us all adjust to the changing economic times.  Our support to the entrepreneur as they build their businesses clearly enhances their many efforts.  You can view these stories by visiting our website at www.communityfutures.ca.

In 2010-2011, Community Futures British Columbia delivered programs throughout BC that supported small business and economic diversification.  One initiative, the Rural Economic Diversification Initiative (REDI-BC), was responsible for assisting 18 communities across BC to diversify their economies through funding targeted at improving business productivity and competitiveness, stimulating increased trade and investment and enhancing the commercialization of technology.  Since the program’s inception in October 2008, REDI-BC has funded 22 projects valued at almost $6 million. REDI-BC projects have demonstrated an immediate positive economic impact, with 206 new jobs being created, the establishment of 61 new markets for BC products and the creation or expansion of 74 businesses. These projects are supported by the regions in which they operate, and involve more than 300 partners, of which more than 100 have provided financial contributions in support of the economic diversification efforts being made by Community Futures in British Columbia. 

Marie Gallant
Executive Director
Community Futures British Columbia