The Community Futures Self Employment program provides financial assistance to Employment Insurance or Reachback eligible applicants who want to start their own business or purchase an existing business, in which they have had no prior ownership.

The program provides income support, business plan development support, a variety of business skills development workshops, one-on-one mentoring, business counselling, collaboration with peers and experiential learning in hands-on workshops.

Community Futures has operated the program continuously for 25 years and has an excellent track record of successful business start-ups through this program. The business plans that result from the program are comprehensive, market driven and highly regarded by industry.

For those individuals who are Employment Insurance or Reachback eligible, you will require a referral from WorkBC to pursue the Self Employment Program, therefore you must contact WorkBC, meet with an Employment Counselor and attend an Self Employment Orientation Session. If suitable and eligible, following the Orientation Session at WorkBC, you will be referred to Community Futures to attend an Opportunity Readiness Workshop.

For those who would like more information about the program and your funding options, please call Community Futures at 250-868-2132 ext. 224 to book an appointment to explore your options.

You must attend the Opportunity Readiness workshop before being considered for the Self-Employment Program. Click here for more information on the Opportunity Readiness Workshop.

The Self-Employment Program includes instruction on how to write a business plan. Click here for more information on the Business Plan Development Program.

We offer loans, business counselling and business development programs for start-up or expansion – click here to find out more about Community Futures Lending.

or call 250-868-2132 to meet with a business counsellor to explore your options.