This past weekend Community Futures partnered with Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp and Rotary District #5360 to send 5 Crowsnest Pass youth off to camp.

The week-long camp takes place every August for youth ages 13- 15 interested in learning about business and entrepreneurship. The focus is to educate youth about marketing, advertising, preparing a cash-flow statement and writing a business plan. Campers set up their own businesses and use real money they borrow from bankers. The youth also participate in many fun recreational activities throughout their week at camp.

We've spoken with a few of this year's campers; they had a blast and are planning to submit applications to attend again next year once applications open in the Spring. If you or someone you know is interested in attending this camp next year, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

We offer flexible, low-interest small business loans, ongoing support and advice for women entrepreneurs in rural Alberta.

Whether you're just starting or looking for support to take your business to the next level, there are many challenges along the way, and sometimes it feels like you're on your own.

Flexible Small Business Loans for Women Entrepreneurs Starting at $10,000

Access low-interest loans designed specifically for women entrepreneurs and offering flexible repayments options and forgivable loan portions if conditions are met.

Apply for personalized financing from $10,000 up to $75,000, giving you the freedom you need to reach your goals. 

A Team of Experts By Your Side

Grow your skills as a small business owner and receive ongoing support from local business experts in your community.

Community Futures small business supports are tailored to fit your needs and schedule. Get access to trusted advisors to help you gain the skills and training you need to start and grow your small business.

How we support you:

Connect with other local business owners and build your network.

Access and explore resources and meet with a Business Advisor you can trust to talk about your business goals.

Receive ongoing small business support and opportunities to develop your skills, manage your business and plan for the future.

We are the first stop for new entrepreneurs and existing small businesses in rural Alberta.

Learn More:https://crowsnest.albertacf.com/services/capital-growth-initiative-loan

We would like to congratulate all winners of the Best of Crowsnest Awards, recognizing the community's favourite businesses and attractions. Here's to you and all you do!

The South Canadian Rockies Tourism Association (SCRTA) has received non-profit societal status in Alberta and is working collectively to bring a unified voice for the southwest corner of Alberta’s tourism operators. This effort has been underway since 2019 on achieving a collaborative destination management organization (DMO) for the region. The inaugural board of directors includes representatives from some amazing partners: Castle Mountain Resort, Heritage Inns, Beaver Mines General Store, Country Encounters Accommodations, Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, Heritage Acres Farm Museum and Tamarack Outdoors.

The region unites around its diverse landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and deep history to develop authentic, high quality visitor and guest experiences that attract visitors and drives community prosperity. The SCRTA will assist in facilitating sustainable tourism development that connects regional priorities with existing and emerging market opportunities through research, branding, marketing, training, and product development.

The Alberta Jobs Now program will provide up to $370 million to help private and non-profit businesses with job supports to get thousands of Albertans back to work.
Employers can apply for funding to offset the cost of hiring and training unemployed or underemployed Albertans in new or vacant positions.
This federal-provincial investment is the largest job training program in Alberta’s history. It will support our province’s recovery, help businesses re-open or grow their workforce, and give Albertans an opportunity to gain the skills they need in today’s job market.

Funding

Private sector businesses and non-profit organizations across all industries can apply for funding to reduce the costs of hiring and training unemployed or underemployed Albertans. Additional funding is available for hiring persons with disabilities.

The following are links to Federal government  support programs available for small businesses during Covid-19. If you need more information or would like to speak with someone from Community Futures, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We would be happy to provide you with whatever information you need during this difficult time.

Canada Business Emergency Account (CEBA) https://ceba-cuec.ca/

Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) Guarantee https://www.bdc.ca/en/special-support/hascap?ref=shorturl-hascap

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-rent-subsidy.html

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy.html

As we prepare for what the future of retail holds, there's only one thing that’s certain: the in-store shopping experience has changed irrevocably. When stores start to open back up, it’s important that retailers are mindful of how consumer behavior has shifted since the pandemic, and what services and experiences are now expected of all brick-and-mortar shops

In this three-part series, we'll outline

- essential technology and policies that retailers should implement as they plan to reopen their stores

- phased strategies for sta  management and training that align with the “new normal” following COVID-19

- what the future may hold for retail and some strategies for anticipating some of the ongoing shifts within the industry so you can be one of the brands that leads the pack when it comes to innovation, improved customer experience, and overall business resiliency.

Check out this PDF from Spotify.

Someday we'll get back to "normal", whatever that may look like. In the meantime, stay hopeful!

We are pleased to offer training opportunties for business owners learning how to exit their business, including a specialized series for family businesses.  We have partnered with three content providers to offer a comphrehensive selection of courses and workshops to fit your planning needs.  Please see below a list of mutliple session programs and shorter workshops - all free of charge.

Click here to learn more about our content providers (Alberta Family Business Insitute, Commercial Ventures and Succession Matching) and what sessions would be right for you.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2021 Best of Crowsnest Awards. And thanks to the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce Association for this great opportunity to recognize our outstanding businesses and attractions. We are lucky to have such an amazing array of people contributing to our community.