It’s the Year of the Entrepreneur

Community Futures has long recognized that entrepreneurs, and the small- and medium-sized businesses they run, are a key element in creating and sustaining economic growth, especially in rural areas. By designating 2011 as the Year of the Entrepreneur, the government of Canada has highlighted the incredible contribution that these businesses make to the Canadian economy.

The private sector is being called upon to move up to the forefront of the economy and lead the charge to economic recovery. As long-term, grassroots supporters of entrepreneurship, Community Futures organizations across the West must also rise to the challenge – working with communities to create the kind of open, creative environment that fosters innovation and ingenuity.

45% of Canada’s GDP is generated by small- and medium-sized businesses. 2.7 million Canadians are self-employed. They are driven, creative and resilient people – and the economy’s unsung heroes. In these uncertain times, they are often most vulnerable to global economic fluctuations. Financing, stimulus packages and other supports are harder and harder to come by. Everyone – including funders – is trying to do more with less.

Community Futures staff and volunteers must continue to work even harder to provide the resources entrepreneurs need to see their visions come to fruition – because even when the Year of the Entrepreneur is over, Community Futures will be helping to drive innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking in the West.