ANNUAL REPORT Table of Intro & Vision Our Message from Contents Statement Team the Chair 02 03 05 07

17 18

Community Futures Fraser-Fort George ANNUAL REPORT table of intro & vision our message from contents statement team the chair 02 03 05 07

words from the gm: words from the gm: words from the gm: words from the gm: first & foremost highlights our programs our projects 09 11 13 15

words from business business business the gm: marketing development: development: development: & partnerships c-best program c-best client story self employment program 17 19 21 23

business business business business con development: development: development: development: se service statistics workshops & training special initiatives se program client profile tents 25 27 29 31 business analyst: loan success story: loan success story: community projects: loan report succession start-up r-bes 33 35 37 39

community projects: export clean technology: agri-export navigator cluster initiatives 41 43 45

01 02 INTRODUCTION

Community Futures Fraser Fort George is a not-for-profit organization which is governed by a panel of volunteer Board of Directors, who serve the communities and people within the Regional District of Fraser Fort George.

Two standing committees enable the Board to guide program activities and carry out the mandate in the region. These committees include the Finance and Lending Committee and the Business Plan Review Committee. In addition, Community Futures Fraser Fort George works with Project Advisory Committees to guide our projects. Depending on the committee, meetings are held as regularly as once a month, or called on as needed. The Board of Directors meet five times per year, including our Annual General Meeting.

Community Futures Fraser Fort George has adopted the Complimentary Board Governance Model, where our Board and Staff participate in a planning session (either every three to five years), or at an annual planning session, to review the operations, philosophy and mandate(s) of the Corporation. VISION STATEMENT

[ Our Vision ] We believe that dreams, passion and a willing- ness to take risks, builds communities and businesses, now and into the future.

[ Our Mission ] We invest in people and ideas. We strategi- cally take risks, connecting entrepreneurs with resources and funding.

[ Our Commitment ] With our support, entrepreneurs compete, collaborate, and innovate, developing businesses and building our communities.

03 04 “

OUR TEAM “Alone we can

do so little; Susan Stearns Trish Appleton Sherri Flavel General Manager Officer of Finance Business Analyst together we & Administration can do so

Jean Rudyk Eunice Tam Angela LeFebvre Business Analyst Communications & Business much.” Office Administrator Development Officer

--Helen Keller Krystin St. Jean Charles Scott Projects Coordinator Export Advisor

05 “ 06 I have to commend the staff at CF FFG, the were just shy of lending $1.4 million to business specific projects that we have received funding strategic direction gets set by the Board and they startups, expansions or successions. These loan for, CF FFG has been involved with is the implement the activities that support the success funds supported local businesses in creating and McBride Communities in Transition program as of the strategy. When lending goals are set, maintaining 167 full-time and part-time jobs. this community was hard hit with a devastating above the requirements of Western Economic mill fire that impacted their local economy. CF Diversification, the staff achieves this outcome. FFG continues to support the community in When training numbers are established, the staff Self Employment Program / redeveloping their economy. makes it look easy to achieve when in reality, the C-BEST / & / Training: Board knows these numbers are challenging to The number of clients coming through the Self achieve. The staff continues to create new ideas to Employment Program has been stable over Moving forward to 2018-19: A apply for funding and implement new programs the past two years. With slightly better than 20 CF FFG will continue to work on the current and services – adding three new projects this clients being supported in starting their business programs, projects, and initiatives while shifting . year! This is in addition to maintaining the other endeavours through the ongoing support of the slightly to meet the new priorities set out by projects, programs and services that are not WorkBC’s Self Employment Program, our staff Western Economic Diversification. This is part of our Western Economic Diversification is able to foster their entrepreneurial skills and coupled with the strategic direction set out A MESSAGE FROM funding. I have to shout out a big kudos to our support them through their business launch. by the Board which supports enhancing the team for always raising the bar and taking our CF This was the third year of providing the Cariboo value and supply chain of businesses across the THE CHAIR to a new level year over year. Business Entrepreneur Skills Training (C-BEST) region. We look forward to continued success Program along with our partners CF Cariboo in our loans program as we once again strive to Chilcotin and CF North Cariboo, this program achieve lending $1.45 million to support business Board of Directors: enables us to provide no charge entrepreneur development and growth across the region. TROY DUNGATE The Board of Directors is instrumental in training and support to Youth, Indigenous setting the strategic direction and overseeing the persons, and Persons with Disabilities. The Our lending program is designed to take strategic Governance of the organization. It is through program is scheduled to end September 30, 2018; risks on business startups, expansions and their delegated responsibilities to committees that however, CF FFG will strive to secure funding enhance succession successes. We believe that we are able to manage the many hours required for this program as we have seen great successes many business ideas are viable and will fill gaps Over 1,200 hours of volunteering was to review business plans, loan applications and from entrepreneurs that have taken the program. within our region which, ultimately enhance the given to CF FFG this fiscal year! How can ensure the loans portfolio is growing. The work economic viability of our communities. words ever express the appreciation of this done by the Committees get reported on to amount of time and commitment from our the Board as the Board is legally responsible to Projects & Initiatives: The Board will continue to strengthen volunteers? I truly believe words cannot begin ensure the Committees decisions are within The projects and initiatives have been growing partnerships and collaborate with like-minded to do justice to how grateful I am to serve with their delegated authority. Needless to say, the the past two years with our CF now delivering organizations across the region as we strongly them, as the volunteers are the backbone of volunteers at CF FFG are the decision makers five projects to support business and economic believe this enhances services to everyone and any Community Futures. The volunteers give for the business plans to move forward or for the development across the region. In addition to the communities. Our goal is to ensure we are us strength by overseeing the governance, entrepreneurs to be approved for financing. this we are partnered with other Community creating stronger, more diverse communities setting strategies, reviewing loan applications, Futures to deliver the PASS program and and we can only do this by working together. reviewing business plans and giving feedback Venture Connect. Our Board looks forward to the next fiscal and recommendations to entrepreneurs to Business Financing: year and serving the people and communities support their success. Relentless dedication CF FFG’s Finance and Lending Committee and We also support the Investlocal BC initiative as across the region. With this, we are always and commitment to entrepreneurial and Business Analysts had a strong, performing, fiscal launched out of CF Stuart-Nechako and we look seeking interested volunteers and we welcome community success is evident within those that year. There were 24 business loans approved forward to continuing to develop and deliver you to contact our General Manager if you are volunteer for CF FFG. and a small number that were not approved. We additional programs in the future. Outside of the interested in volunteering with us.

07 08 BY SUSAN STEARNS, GENERAL MANAGER

First and foremost, I want to extend appreciation to all of the volunteers and staff of CF FFG for their dedication and commitment to ensure 2017-18 was another successful year. Without your endless dedication, we could not support the people, businesses, organizations and communities that we serve. TO OUR VOLUNTEERS:

I commend the commitment of the staff As a manager of a not-for-profit, words members at CF FFG, they are constantly can never express the gratitude to all striving to improve and keep the services our volunteers. Each year CF FFG’s working in the best interest of the people, volunteers provide our organization businesses, organizations and communities. with over 1,200 hours of volunteer time. They often encounter the challenges as no This ranges from Board Governance, to two clients, projects or communities are Loan Reviews, to Business Plan reviews alike, and have to be innovative in delivering and more. All of the decisions on our their support to ensure there are successful loans and business plan approvals are outcomes. We also value and appreciate derived from volunteers whom are our partnering organizations; collaboration knowledgeable in business and offer among all of us ensure we are not duplicating solid feedback to the clients on every services, and allow us to enhance one application. This is an invaluable service words another’s services. Whether it is through to the client and a lot of time and effort community partnerships for projects or by the volunteers. business alliances to support a loan, these strong partnerships serve everyone better. If you are interested in exploring volunteer opportunities, please do not We would also like to express appreciation hesitate to contact me directly. to all of our clients, as the passion and inspiration each of you bring to us, excites from our team and volunteers and keeps all of us motivated to be delivering business services!

A specific thank you to those that agreed to be profiled in our video clips, we can never express in words how much this means to us and how much gratitude we have for you taking part in this project. the gm:

09 10 Words from the GM: A SUMMARY OF THE YEAR

Susan Stearns HIGHLIGHTS

After piloting our Business Model Canvas workshops and business planning process for the past 18 months, the final changes were made and this model has become recognized as a positive tool with other CFs across British Columbia.

+ The Export Navigator Pilot Project has had success as such, was extended another year.

+ CF FFG entered into a partnership with the City of Prince George Economic Development that is focused on developing clean-tech clusters.

+ In addition to the Agri-Business initiative (funded by the Regional District of Fraser Fort George and BC Rural Dividends fund), thanks to Rural Dividends funding, CF FFG launched the Regional Businesses Expanding Success initiative and received funding to support Not-for-Profit organizations in capacity development and strategic planning over the next two years.

+ The loans program remained strong; though we missed our own target of $1.4 million in loans by a little less than $70,000, we still had a successful lending year and supported an additional 24 businesses in our region.

11 1212 Words from the GM: OUR PROGRAMS

Susan Stearns

LOANS PROGRAM SELF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM WORKSHOPS & TRAINING & C-BEST PROGRAM

In July of 2017, CF FFG decided to increase the CF FFG continues to sub-contract with the CF FFG moved out of pilot phase of the capacity of the loans program by adding a part- three WorkBC Service Centers that service our Business Model Canvas and have fully time Business Analyst position to serve clients. region; Mackenzie, Robson Valley and Prince integrated this model into our business plan This has been extremely beneficial in managing George. development workshops and training, which the loan portfolio as it provides more time to also includes a newly developed business work one-on-one with clients at all stages, from After several years in the position of Business plan template that is complemented with full the application and business planning process Development Officer, Sherri Flavel moved into instructions. We were also pleased to support through to the aftercare we provide. a Business Analyst position this fiscal year and Small Business BC and Northern Development

we welcomed Angela LeFebvre to our team in Initiative Trust in promoting the online The loan committee reviewed over $2,000,000 the last quarter. workshops at no charge to businesses enrolled in loan applications and approved $1,320,100 in the Downtown Love programs. This was a in loan funds to small businesses. This created The Self Employment Program continues to success as such; they have extended this offer and maintained 167 full-time and part-time be modest in numbers however, we were more one more year and have expanded to include jobs in the Fraser Fort George region. than happy to serve over 20 clients over the Downtown Love and CF FFG clients.

fiscal year. Cariboo Business Entrepreneur CF FFG is also pleased to continue to work on Skills Training (C-BEST) was able to reach Our training programs have increased with partnership loans and have been successful the target of 18 clients this fiscal with both the receipt of Rural Dividends funding, which in syndicating within our CF Network and programs demonstrating client success as over is outlined below. In addition to the funding supporting collaborative lending with Business 92% of all clients launch successful businesses. under Rural Dividends, the Export Pilot Development Bank, Futurepreneur and several Program gained momentum in delivering local banks. The effort by all our partners and For more details on these two programs, training to clients wanting to expand their our team ensure the loans are structured to be please read the Business Development Officer, markets. CF FFG has also delivered a small in the best interest of the entrepreneur(s). Angela LeFebvre’s report, starting on page 19 number of requested workshops. Some of the of the Annual Report. topics included Social Economy – what is it?, For more details on the loans program, please Procurement Opportunities, and a train-the- read Business Analysts Jean and Sherri’s report, trainer session with two of the Northern CFs starting on page 33 of the Annual Report. along with a Coaching Workshop for the Self Employment Coordinators across BC.

13 14 Words from the GM: AGRI-BUSINESS SUPPORT NON-PROFIT & EXPANSION With an increase in request from non-profit OUR PROJECTS In partnership with the Regional District of Fraser organizations for Board and Organizational Fort George, Community Futures is delivering capacity building and Strategic Planning, CF a series of workshops to the agriculture sector FFG was excited when Rural Dividend approved Susan Stearns out in the Robson Valley. A consulting firm, this initiative at the end of March 2018 (end of EmergingAg (out of Calgary) has developed the the fiscal year). curriculum and CF FFG will deliver and have these workshops available into the future. The first This project will launch in the 2018-19 fiscal three workshops ran this fiscal and an additional and will include the development and delivery EXPORT NAVIGATOR six workshops are scheduled in 2018-19 and will of training/workshops, ongoing support, and run in both McBride and Valemount. strategic planning for up to 20 non-profits CF FFG was thrilled that the Government of British (outside of Prince George). Once the workshops have been tested, we will put them into digital Columbia agreed to extend the Export Navigator REGIONAL BUSINESS Program another year as this provides businesses format as a means of being able to continually EXPANDING SUCCESS [RBES] offer the workshops via webinars. within the Cariboo and Northeast regions with the tools and resources to expand their markets outside of Launched in February 2018 with a social British Columbia. Charles Scott has done a wonderful For more information on the Rural Dividends media workshops being hosted in McBride, projects, please read Projects Coordinator, job of supporting over 18 businesses in exploring Valemount and Mackenzie. We were pleased to market expansion and has generated success with Krystin St. Jean’s report, starting on page 39 of see overwhelming success with registration being the Annual Report. several businesses expanding their market(s). high enough to run two additional social media workshops. The workshops were followed by eight weeks of support by Pop Media, the workshop CLEAN TECH facilitators, to the participating businesses. PLANNING A This will be followed with three additional SUCCESSFUL SUCCESSION [PASS] CF FFG was pleased to partner with the City of Prince workshops in 2018-19 that include: Preparing George Economic Development to secure funding for Online Sales, Human Resources recruitment CF FFG is pleased to be a partner with CF through Western Economic Diversification on the and retention for rural small business, and Cariboo Chilcotin and CF North Cariboo on Clean-Tech Cluster Development Initiative. Business Leadership and Mentorship - all are Planning a Successful Succession.

complemented with eight weeks of access to This is a three year partnership that is focused on support and coaching by the facilitators. CF Cariboo Chilcotin is the lead CF and we enhancing business opportunities in the clean-tech have all collaborated on the development sector, including market expansion outside of British of a workbook that is a tool to be used to Columbia. This project is in its early phase and in URAL DIVIDENDS R support succession planning. This will be doing the preliminary exploration of companies that complemented with workshops and training may be part of clean-tech, we were pleasantly surprised CF FFG ended the 2017-18 fiscal year with the sessions, along with ongoing support from to have over 65 companies that complement this sector announcement of a third Rural Dividends Project Venture Connect. and are in the position of being able to collaborate being funded. One of the criteria for funding is the within to enhance their opportunities. communities or regions being served must have a population of 25,000 or less. With this, we are Please see Charles Scott, Consultant’s report on page pleased to be providing additional programs and 45 of the Annual General Report. services to the communities and region outside of Prince George.

15 16 Words from the GM: MARKETING & PARTNERSHIPS

Susan Stearns

MARKETING

CF FFG worked hard towards developing a new website in the last quarter of 2017-18 which will be ready to launch in early 2018-19. The new website will be complimented with a number of video success stories of CF clients from across the region. The videos will be part of our social media campaigns and will highlight only a small number of clients; however, we are going to continue to grow our video library (which will be hosted on our own YouTube Channel).

If you are one of our clients and want to share In Closing your success, please be sure to let one of our team members know! As we look forward to 2018-19:

PARTNERS The team at CF FFG is excited to be moving into a new fiscal year as we will begin fresh with the CF FFG has a lengthy list of partnering launch of a new website, exciting video profiles organizations that we collaborate with on various of a small number of clients and, thanks to Rural initiative, lending, or other endeavours. We cannot Dividends funding, we will be launching a new begin to say thank you enough to all of these Not-for-Profit training program. These are a few partners as they help strengthen the communities exciting items on the horizon; however, the team and the local economy. knows there is always more work to be done and will continue to pursue new opportunities and We look forward to continued collaboration new partnerships. with all our partners.

17 1818 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT C-BEST PROGRAM

What is C-BEST? Okay, Community Futures: SHOW ME SOME STATS

Funded by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, through the Canada ... British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, the Cariboo Business Entrepreneur Skills Training (C-BEST) program was created in Who is Eligible? October 5, 2015 and has had two subsequent contract renewals. The current contract is C-BEST ACTIVITY until September 30, 2018. APRIL 01, 2017 - MARCH 31, 2018 C-BEST is a new and innovative approach YOUTH [18-29] to provide entrepreneurial support and NEW BUSINESS skills training at no charge to eligible INTAKES STARTUPS participants to help them find success in INDIGENOUS self-employment. CFFFG oversees the PEOPLE AREA facilitation of C-BEST in collaboration with CF Cariboo-Chilcotin and CF North CARIBOO Cariboo to reach out to all the communities 3 REGIONS encompassed in the defined Cariboo area. 20 06

C-BEST is a flexible program and offers both virtual and face-to-face business training CF FFG opportunities, customized to meet the needs PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 05 02 and fit the schedules of diverse participants. Coverage for a portion of transportation and child care service costs are available Ineligible Criteria: for eligible participants. The Business Development Office (BDO) works closely Full-time students with the client to offer coaching and business Individuals who work more than 30 hours per week Individuals who are eligible for Employment Insurance plan review services.

1919 2020 C-BEST PROGRAM Client Caitlin Lalonde CLIENT SUCCESS STORY Business Lovely Notions Sewing and Design

Lovely Notions Sewing and Design specializes in bridal and formalwear alterations. Caitlin launched with an open house on March 03, 2018. The space is bright and spacious with a strong feminine design to inspire soon to be brides. She co-shares the space with a makeup artist and blogger, resulting in strong cross- marketing. Caitlin was mentored into entrepreneurship by a long standing business owner which led her to Community Futures.

“Community Futures and the C-BEST Program really inspired and motivated me, the classes are extremely informative and the staff are so supportive and helpful! You can tell they genuinely want to guide everyone there to success - the entire organization is such an asset to our community!”

- Caitlin Lalonde, Owner: Lovely Notions Sewing and Design

21 22 Business Development SELF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Self-Employment (SE) Services are offered upon approval of the Business Development to clients who are referred to CF FFG by Officer, they complete a Business Concept Work BC Employment Centres in Prince Development application. Once the Business George, Mackenzie, and the Robson Concept Approval Committee has deemed Valley. their concept viable, they enter the Business Plan Development phase. Work BC Case Managers determine client eligibility for enrolling in the program and Upon approval of their business plan by the receiving financial assistance for living, Business Plan Review Committee, clients are transportation and daycare expenses. eligible to launch their business and continue to receive skills training, coaching and financial Subsequently, Community Futures offers assistance for up to an additional 38 weeks. assessments, workshops, and ongoing Throughout the business implementation coaching as clients move forward in the period, the Business Development Officer program. The Business Development keeps in close contact with the clients Officer keeps in close contact with the by reviewing their monthly reports and Work BC staff, notifying them of the conducting four formal mentor and monitor clients’ progress and coordinating efforts meetings. to ensure their success. All clients receive appropriate training and The SE Program is comprised of 3 main coaching throughout the program, including components: a Business Concept Development workshop, followed by four Business Plan Development workshops facilitated by the Business 01 Business Concept & Development Development Officer, as well as subject matter experts on the staff team. 02 Business Planning In total, 10 training seminars are offered. Visits 03 Business Launch & Implementation to Mackenzie are made monthly and travels to the Robson Valley on a quarterly basis to provide services and meet with clients in The first two phases combined are person. All additional necessary training and typically 12-14 weeks. Clients complete an coaching are conducted via e-mail, phone, or Orientation and Assessment process and Go-To-Meetings.

23 24 STATISTICS SE SERVICE ACTIVE CLIENTS AS OF MARCH 2018

ASSESSMENT Prince George: 03 Mackenzie: 01 Robson Valley: 00

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT THIS FISCAL saw a decrease in the Prince George: 05 number of SE Service clients due to a Mackenzie: 00 reduction in referrals directly related Robson Valley: 00 to the decrease in unemployment rates. BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT Prince George: 00 Mackenzie: 00 SELF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Robson Valley: 00

PHASE COMPLETIONS APR-JUNE 2O17 JULY-SEPT 2017 OCT-DEC 2017 JAN-MAR 2018 TOTAL 2017-18 TOTAL 2016-17 TOTAL 2015-16 BUSINESS LAUNCH Prince George: 04 ORIENTATION Prince George: 04 Prince George: 02 Prince George: 07 Prince George: 03 Mackenzie: 01 Mackenzie: 00 Mackenzie: 00 Mackenzie: 01 18 35 29 Mackenzie: 00 AND ASSESSMENT Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00

BUSINESS CONCEPT Prince George: 05 Prince George: 02 Prince George: 04 Prince George: 01 Mackenzie: 00 Mackenzie: 00 Mackenzie: 00 Mackenzie: 00 12 17 22 DEVELOPMENT Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00

BUSINESS PLAN Prince George: 01 Prince George: 02 Prince George: 01 Prince George: 04 Mackenzie: 00 Mackenzie: 00 Mackenzie: 00 Mackenzie: 01 08 18 12 DEVELOPMENT Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00

BUSINESS LAUNCH Prince George: 01 Prince George: 01 Prince George: 01 Prince George: 00 Mackenzie: 00 Mackenzie: 00 Mackenzie: 00 Mackenzie: 00 03 24 12 AND IMPLEMENT Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00 Robson Valley: 00

25 26 WORKSHOPS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEARNING TOOLS

Whenever possible, clients are streamlined into Information Sessions and Business Checklist Workshops. On occasion, rural community AND clients and clients who are unavailable to attend the workshops on the pre-scheduled dates, receive one-on-one overviews. Community Futures offers a mix of in-house workshops delivered by staff and Small Business BC workshops that are also offered through Go-To-Meetings and webinars.

The 2017-2018 fiscal maintained strong workshop attendance numbers. The workshops TRAINING were attended by a combination of SE Services program clients, C-BEST program clients and clients not participating in programs (loans/ general/walk-in clients).

27 28 SPECIAL INITIATIVES

[ JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF BC ] The Business Development Officer participated in a panel for the SD57 Yes [ RURAL OUTREACH ] Competition, attended Mackenzie and the Robson the Junior Achievement Valley received BDO support Celebration event at with monthly trips to HubSpace, and facilitated Mackenzie and quarterly trips the Junior Achievement Be to Robson Valley. The clients Entrepreneurial Program received support ranging for youth. from business coaching to workshops and monitoring. While in the communities the [ SMALL BUSINESS MONTH ] BDO participated in several 2017 community meetings with CF FFG traveled to McBride key stakeholders as well as to meet with business local events to market CFFFG owners for a question and services. Some highlights [ NOT FOR PROFIT SUPPORT ] answer session. include the Mackenzie Chamber of Commerce CF FFG continued support tradeshow, the McLeod Lake to Tabor Mountain Indian Band job fair, and Recreation Society and to delivery of the Robson Valley the Happier Futures Society. Business Planning Boot camp 2018in Dunster. 29 30 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Self Employment Program Featured Client Profile

Anna began her love for crafting at the age of six and at the same time, the seed to be an entrepreneur was planted. She carried her passion through high school to the point that she exceeded the class content and was groomed in the art of teaching.

On April 01, 2017, Anna opened the door to her new business, Scrapbook Zone.

Anna purchased the business and quickly made it her own. The business provides more Client Anna Beguin than scrapbooking supplies. Her focus is on providing customers with quality products and customized experiences in creating cards, Business Scrapbook Zone boards, and scrapbooks.

“Community Futures was beyond helpful; the program provided a lot of support!”

- Anna Beguin, Owner: Scrapbook Zone

31 32 BUSINESS ANALYST LOAN REPORT

Helping develop Fraser Fort George Our loan program ranges from ‘micro loans’ In the 2017-18 fiscal year, 56.5% of the loans made regional businesses through small business between $100 to $10,000 and ‘macro loans’ were to existing businesses to maintain, expand financing remains a core service of between $10,000 to $150,000. Our loans or purchase another business, and 43.5% to assist Community Futures Fraser Fort George. feature competitive interest rates, flexible in the start-up of new businesses. Community Our lending program provides small repayment terms up to five years including Futures helped businesses in the Fraser Fort business loans ranging from $100 to seasonal payments and the option of George region to create 84 new full/part time jobs $150,000. reduced payments for the initial first to sixth and maintain another 73 full/part time jobs. months. Loans are available for viable new business While Community Futures strives to balance its start-ups, purchasing existing businesses, As a developmental lender, Business loan portfolio, the various loans approved are a business expansions, or to stabilize existing Analysts provide technical assistance on all reflection of the business opportunities presented [ AS A MATTER OF FACT ] businesses. Our lending program does aspects of business including coaching and during the year. Over the 2017-18 year, the trend not compete with traditional banks and education services to clients at all stages of of borrowing entrepreneurs has been primarily During the 2017-18 fiscal year commercial lenders but rather supports business. They held one-on-one meetings in developing service type enterprises. The nearly $1.4 million in small small business in our region when they are with clients and potential clients regarding service and goods (retail & wholesale) sectors business loans were approved unable to otherwise borrow. business growth, new business purchases, represented 78% of the loans, with manufacturing, through the following loan funds. start-ups and succession planning. Services silviculture and agriculture sectors represented Since 1994, Community Futures Fraser also included business planning and 22% of the loans. Community Futures Fraser Fort Fort George has loaned over $29 million financial forecasting education through the George approved participation in 2 syndicated/ to small businesses across our region. Our delivery of training and skill development partnership loan with local and regional lenders. loan funds help support small businesses sessions. in our region when traditional lenders are unable to. An added benefit is that Community Futures Fraser Fort George entrepreneurs have been able to use our determines financing decisions locally, Investment $ 397,000 financing to access additional equities, considering each proposal on its own funding programs and other debt financing. merits. A Finance & Lending Committee Community Investment $ 210,000 The overall result has been an injection of comprised of community volunteers Community Business Loan Program: Forestry $ 396,250 over $34 million, in the past 23 years into and entrepreneurs met 17 times during the local economy that may not have been the year to consider new business Disability $ 35,500 available or utilized without Community financing proposals, and review financial Community Economic Development $ 281,333 Futures Fraser Fort George’s programs and arrangements for current loans and credit services. related issues. TOTAL $ 1,320,083

3333 3434 LOAN SUCCESS STORIES Client Jerett Girard Business Angell Property Management

Owner Retires and Employee Purchases the Business

When it came time to retire and sell his entrepreneur, he finds the added interactions business, Angell Property Management, with clients, future clients and community Steve Pataki was well prepared. For eight to be the most enjoyable change. Jerett years he had been coaching and mentoring also brings a fresh perspective to a well a long time dedicated employee, Jerett established business. Girard. After working for the business for 21 years and learning from Steve’s expert “With myself now being the owner of the mentorship, Jerett was ready to step in and business it has definitely given me a more Community Futures was ready to support hands-on approach...” Jerett exclaims. “I the succession plan. have developed closer relationships with our clients and I’m thinking of different ways To better prepare himself for to grow the business such as developing a entrepreneurship, Jerett attended our website and offering more services.” business planning workshop series, completed market research and wrote an Jerett found the transition to impressive business plan. The business plan entrepreneurship to be challenging and lead to successful Community Futures loan gratifying. He now realizes there is so much application and Steve and Jerett entered into more to being an entrepreneur than meets a supportive ownership transition, which the eye and he enjoys the experiences of “The support from Community Futures also included a vendor loan for part of the learning something new every single day. has been invaluable. Without Community Jerett values Steve for all the employment Futures’ support I honestly believe there purchase. may have been a possibility that business support over the years, the opportunity ownership would not have happened for me. Steve fostered a strong connection to the to become the owner, and the additional Along with the financing, Community business, loyal customers and dedicated support to transition into business Futures has been there with me throughout employees and, he encourages other ownership. the whole process including offering entrepreneurs to consider planning for workshops and giving advice whenever employee succession. His take? “Instead of Steve and Jerett’s story is an exemplary required.” closing any business down, business owners example of a business succession that allowed have a responsibility to their customers and a business owner to retire knowing his - Jerett Girard, Owner: employees to consider selling the business business is in good hands while creating a Angell Proprerty Management to an employee or employee group.” new opportunity for a dedicated employee Jerett has always enjoyed his daily and a continuation of a valued business in interactions with staff and now, as a new the community – a successful succession!

3535 36 LOAN SUCCESS STORIES

An Entrepreneur’s Dream Come True Kathleen (Kat) Colledge comes from a family and Kat already has some words of wisdom to of entrepreneurs. She’s a stay at home mom share. “Plan ahead! Build a solid marketing plan who happens to be managing a hobby farm and figure out exactly how to execute it ahead of and coping with chronic pain. She wanted to time. It will build credibility and cohesiveness be home for her kids but also have something with all your marketing platforms.” Kat believes that was hers, apart from being a mother. Kat the best part about being an entrepreneur is the realized that both of these roles, mom and flexibility it offers. She works around her family business owner, were important in defining to ensure that their needs can be put first. She who she is as a whole. When Kat approached also finds it fun to build something from scratch Community Futures to get and hear how it inspires some help with fulfilling or helps someone else. Kat her entrepreneur dream to “The support was amazing. I’m hopes it will inspire her launch Be Loved Ventures, not going to lie, the amount children to go after their we responded. of work involved is intense! dreams. It was paramount Community Futures was so for Kat to create a way Through the C-BEST helpful and supportive, always to operate a home based program Kat attended there to answer questions, business that works with our business planning offer helpful opportunities and balancing her unique and workshops and received walk me through all the steps busy lifestyle. Be Loved business coaching involved. I am so grateful for their Ventures was created with support to write a two- dedication to helping me get this that in mind. fold business plan for idea off the ground!”

both avenues of Be Loved “I am very, very busy all the Kat Colledge, Owner: Be Loved Ventures – Be Loved time. This means that I have Ventures Boxes (an online self- to be intentional in setting care, gift box subscription aside time for rest and a store for moms) and Be social life. I encourage Loved Boarding (a boarding service on her women to invest in self-care so I need to be hobby farm for local horses). The business plan practicing what I preach which isn’t always easy effectively supported loan applications which with the amount of work on my plate.” helped leverage financial support through Community Futures - Entrepreneur’s with The pathway to Kat’s entrepreneur dream wasn’t Disabilities loan program along with other always easy. Her dedication to the process, her funding sources. creativity, and her ability to access supportive resources led her to where she wants to be – the Be Loved Ventures launched early this year owner of Be Loved Ventures!

37 38 COMMUNITY RURAL BUSINESS EXPANDING SUCCESS BASED PROJECTS The Rural Business Expanding Success In 2017, two projects were implemented that project is designed to provide small focused on increasing support and training to and medium businesses in the rural communities of the region with the businesses located in the rural communities of the opportunity to have easy access to region. These projects were funded through the training and support that will develop Rural Dividend program and administered by the critical tools and support to expand their Projects Coordinator. business while ensuring that community benefits by providing entrepreneurs with leadership and mentorship skills training. ...

The project consists of 4 skills training modules that includes both a face-to-face workshop and ongoing support. The first module, which focused on social media marketing, took place between February and April 2018.

The services of Pop Media were retained to teach the workshop and provide the follow up assistance. The workshops were very well received in the communities with many participants are enthusiastic for future project modules.

The project will continue in 2018-2019 with the remaining three modules that will focus on online sales, human resources and retention, and leadership. The project will conclude with a Business Leadership and Mentors Roundtable in each community.

39 40 COMMUNITY BASED PROJECTS

BEYOND THE MARKET AGRI-EXPORT DEVELOPMENT IN THE ROBSON VALLEY

Through the Beyond the Market initiative, agribusiness in the Robson Valley region increased in capacity through the workshops and training that was offered in the communities, and many expanded their business by exploring opportunities to export to new markets. The purpose of this project is to provide new learning opportunities needed to bridge farmers from the current knowledge/skills developed through past BTM initiatives to tools and resources on how prepare their business to export. Learning opportunities are delivered through a series of workshops that focuses on topics related to export in agribusiness. To develop the curriculum for the workshops, Community Futures retained the services of a consultant that has expertise in agricultural sector growth, to develop the materials.

The project started in October 2017 with a community meeting to discuss opportunities for innovation in agriculture. The formal workshop series commenced in March 2018 in McBride. The workshops will be followed in October 2018 in Valemount. The project will conclude with a community “action planning” session to determine what next steps need to be taken in regards to moving forward with agri- export in the Robson Valley.

41 42 EXPORT NAVIGATOR REPORT FOR 2017/18

Charles Scott BREAKDOWN BY REGION To get the word out, key partners in economic development and business services have been BULKLEY / NECHAKO 00 contacted in all regions. To date, 12 trips / events have

CARIBOO / CHILCOTIN 05 been conducted: 2 to Bulkley / Nechako, 3 to Cariboo, 4 to Peace, 3 in PG [1 joint promotion with CME, 1 EXPORT NAVIGATOR PEACE / NORTHERN ROCKIES 05 with Allison Boulton], 1 to Robson Valley. A further helps value-added, growth-oriented firms to enter PRINCE GEORGE / RDFFG 18 28 3 trips are expected this fiscal - 1 to the Peace region new markets by working with them to systematically and 2 to the Cariboo. identify potential customers; research new markets BREAKDOWN BY SECTOR and regulatory frameworks; and connect with I coordinated a visit by EDC to the region for May 04 opportunities outside of British Columbia. The AGRI-FOOD 7-9, connecting them with prospective firms. We program does this by providing solutions in three MANUFACTURING 11 met with 7 firms, and as a result will increase our broad areas: CLEAN TECHNOLOGY 08 Export Navigator client base by at least 2 firms in May. Strong positive feedback from EDC was received as 1. Customer Identification: FORESTRY 02 Understanding where to the usefulness of the assistance provided. Export potential customers may be identified; how they may TOURISM 01 28 Navigator has assisted firms to secure $600,000 in be qualified as prospects; and the primary means of OTHER 04 additional sales to date due to the connections that we approaching them to secure their business. have provided. 2. Operating Context : Navigating the ways of Currently firms in our region are Activity has recovered from the lull during the identifying the regulations that must be complied pursuing opportunities in the following target markets: wildfires of last summer. However, broad concern with in markets that firms are considering. remains about the provincial government’s approach CANADA [OUTSIDE OF BC] 18 to the Trans-Mountain Pipeline, which has fostered 3. Market Intelligence : Getting access to information substantial uncertainty about the extent to which UNITED STATES 10 TOTAL BY about broad market trends; and being profiled to the resource activity will have a future in the near term. appropriate government and trade officials in order TARGET CHINA [INCL. HK & TAIWAN] 04 All clients have been contacted and their files updated. to be considered for potential opportunities. MARKET OTHER ASIA 03 The BC Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology have EUROPE 04 The target for the initial pilot was to have 10 firms advised that the Export Navigator program will be admitted as clients. With the addition of the Peace INDIA 02 extended to the end of fiscal year 2019 (March 31, region during the final 6 months of the 1-year pilot AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 03 2019). Provincial staff have been pleased with the program, a further 10 firms were added as a target strong progress in all of the pilot regions, and are from that region. As of May 10, 2018, our region has OTHER 07 51 seeking ways to make this a permanent program – or 28 clients. at least secure multi-year funding.

43 44 CLEAN TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER INITIATIVES

Charles Scott

In September 2017, the City of Prince George 4. An initial Clean Technology Roundtable began to implement the Clean Technology was held on Feb. 22 at UNBC, with 17 entities cluster initiative. Community Futures is a in attendance. Clear interest was demonstrated delivery partner on this project. Our role in this initiative, though firms are still is to provide technical support to firms, understanding how to best engage. Feedback which involves working with the Economic from participants was that tightly focussed Development Office on identifying firms efforts would be most useful, which may require offering clean technology solutions and there to be several groups rather than one body. connecting with them to understand how they CFDC debriefed on the meeting with the City’s might be assisted. Economic Development office, with positive feedback. The relevance to the Export Navigator program is that there is strong synergy between the 5. Visits by Mr. David Hsui (the federal services of the pilot and the requirements of the Trade Commissioner specialising in Clean Clean Tech cluster development – one serves as Technology) and Mr. Harbs Bains (the provincial a basis for the other, which in turn feeds Export Senior Manager in charge of Clean Technology Navigator traffic. In the program guidelines, initiatives) have occurred. Mr. Hsui visited in WD defines Clean Tech as “any product, October 2017, while Mr. Bains visited in January process, or service that reduces environmental 2018. impacts relative to the standard and/or most commonplace technology in a given market.” 6. The City has taken booths at Globe (Vancouver, March 14-16, 2018) and the The deliverable outcomes for Community BC Clean Tech Summit (May 14-16, 2018). Futures for this period are: Community Futures supported the outreach at Globe 2018, and has assisted in recruiting firms 1. Mapping the Clean Technology cluster. for the BC Clean Tech summit. This is completed, with 68 firms identified that between them employ 2,180 full-time Direct assistance on securing investment is equivalent jobs in Prince George. now occurring in 4 projects, and approx.. $7.75 million is being sought. I have referred a Clean 2. Working with at least 10 firms that are Technology firm to CF’s Business Analyst to applicable to Clean Technology. As of April 25, assist in structuring a $1.25 million investment, 2018, 22 firms have been recruited. which will count towards the project’s outcomes.

3. A launch event was held on Jan. 11, This is far in excess of the $250,000 target for the 2018. Over 40 people attended, including 22 project for investment related to the sector by its representatives from 16 firms. end in March 2020.

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