
Business Services

Local Expertise
Our team of experienced professionals is deeply rooted in the community and possesses the insights necessary to guide you towards success.

Personalized Approach
We know that every journey is unique. That's why we take the time to understand your goals, aspirations, and challenges, tailoring our support to your specific needs.

Strong Partnerships
We work closely with local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations to ensure a holistic approach to community development.
Free Business Advice
We provide guidance, mentoring, and training to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. Our one-on-one coaching sessions cover every aspect of your business.
From leadership skills and business planning to sales and marketing, financial management and operational efficiency. Our expert mentors work closely with you to address your specific challenges and goals.

Photo: Squamish Water Kefir Co. Squamish. BC

Small Business Loans
We provide a variety of small business loans tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're starting a business, seeking expansion loans to fuel growth, or in need of working capital loans to protect cash flow, we've got you covered.
Applying for a business loan with us is a straightforward process. We'll walk you through it, ensuring you have all the essential information and support to make well-informed decisions. We recognize that every business is unique, which is why we provide flexible repayment options and competitive interest rates tailored to your specific cash flow needs.
Indigenous Entrepreneurship
We provide guidance, mentoring, and training to aspiring and existing Indigenous entrepreneurs. Assist in business planning, access to capital, and fostering innovation. We are open to discussion and conversation about how to work together to grow our Indigenous business community.


Photo: Off Grid Customs, Squamish. BC
Employment & Job Creation
By supporting local businesses and community projects, we indirectly contribute to job creation. We help businesses identify employment needs and connect job seekers with opportunities. When businesses thrive and projects succeed, they often create employment opportunities within the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you help with rural business development?
Absolutely, our expertise extends to rural business development. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities rural businesses face and provide tailored business guidance and support to ensure their success.
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Can you help with rural business development?Absolutely, our expertise extends to rural business development. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities rural businesses face and provide tailored business guidance and support to ensure their success.
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Do you offer business mentorship programs?Yes, we offer valuable business mentorship programs that connect aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners with experienced mentors. We have an extensive network of mentors across the Sea to Sky Corridor, covering all types of businesses. Our experienced mentors provide guidance, share insights, and offer support to foster your success.
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What are the terms and interest rates for your business loans?The terms and interest rates for our business loans can vary based on the loan program and your business's financial requirements. We offer competitive rates and flexible repayment terms to ensure affordability.
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Are there any fees associated with applying for a business loan?We aim to keep the application process as cost-effective as possible. We charge an admin fee of 2% loan value, and work to minimize upfront costs for our clients.
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How long does it typically take to process a business loan application?The processing time for business loan applications can vary, but we strive to provide a quick and efficient process. It generally depends on the complexity of the loan and the completeness of the application.
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What resources do you offer for entrepreneurs looking to start a new business?We provide resources such as business planning templates, startup guides, access to industry research, and one-on-one consultations to help entrepreneurs get their business ideas off the ground.
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Can you assist with business succession planning and transitions?Certainly. We provide expert guidance on business succession planning, enabling business owners to smoothly transition their businesses to new owners or family members while preserving their legacy.
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How do I appeal a loan decision?If you are unhappy with the loan approval process, please contact info@cfhowesound.com with details of your experience.
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I have a business idea. What can I expect from a first meeting with Community Futures?Firstly, we will want to hear all about your business idea. Then, we’ll ask who else you’ve spoken to about the idea, and what their feedback was. We’ll ask you about any ideas you have to test out the business proposition. For example, could you try selling your product on the local marketplace to see if it’s popular before launching? Finally, we’ll talk about the first steps you would take if you were to launch your business. That would likely include creating a business plan, registering the business, organizing your financing, putting together a marketing plan, building your brand, networking, and more. If you don’t already have these ideas and plans, we suggest you take some time to put it all on paper, so we have something tangible to discuss in our initial meeting. If you don’t have all the answers just yet or can’t figure out a specific problem, that’s ok too!
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I own a business. What can I expect from a first meeting with Community Futures?If you already have a business, you can come to us with a specific problem, or with multiple problems, and we’ll work as a sounding board to help you hash it out. We’ll want to know what you’ve already considered doing or tried, and we’ll work with you to find solutions. Importantly, we’d love to know what we can do to help with your challenges. Whether that’s connecting you with the right resources, offering a business sounding board, helping you work through a budget, or something else, the best way for us to help is to know how we can help.
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How do I know if my business idea is a good one?To begin, we recommend some basic market research. Importantly, don’t just ask friends and family, who may be more receptive to the idea than the general public as they want to support you. Spend time thinking about who your target customers would be, and look around to see if there are already products or services in the market. For more information, view our blog on this topic here.
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Do I really need a business plan?Yes. Even a simple business plan will help to clarify your goals and give you a set direction. You will use it to lay out your ultimate goals, medium-term tactics for meeting those goals, and daily tasks that will help to drive you forward. For more information, read our blog here.