Community Futures Central Island is offering a new Regional Business Advisory Service program that can be accessed by businesses in the Strathcona region, which includes Cortes Island.
While this program is largely for businesses and communities impacted by forest policy changes and other impacts to the forest sector, advisors will consider existing businesses on Cortes that are struggling or are seeking assistance to grow.
The Program will:– support rural businesses and communities– increase community and regional adaptation, resilience and sustainability; and– leverage existing local community/organizations to create incremental supports to impacted business and or communities.
Regional Business Advisors will work one on one with entrepreneurs to help them stabilize and increase, as well as if required, identify and diversify revenues streams. Our experience has informed us that often entrepreneurs do not know how to properly prepare for solicitation to banks and funders. We believe that for some entrepreneur’s debt restructuring will also be required. Our advisors will be able to assist companies to prepare for presentations to financial institutions.
Gaining traction in unstable times requires a nimble business model. We also want to assist businesses to reconsider and tweak their current business models and how they may shift or pivot their current model to serve both them and their customers. Our Advisors will support owner/operators in navigating the measures, determine what meets their needs and then assist them to complete applications if necessary. For some, they may be required to exit their current business and our advisors will assist in developing a liquidation/sale strategy and refer them to appropriate targeted programming
Who?
Small and medium sized businesses, social enterprises and not for profit organizations.
What?
Our goal is to provide you with practical tools, resources and strategies to help your business become more resilient and successful.
Where?
Regional Business Advisors will service rural communities within the Vancouver Island Regional Districts of Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Alberni Clayoquot, Comox Valley, Strathcona and Mount Waddington. Cortes Island is included in this catchment area.
When?
This program is available effective June 1, 2023 – August 31, 2024.
Does it cost anything?
There are no fees associated with participating. Only criteria, you must be a willing and participatory applicant.
How and by Whom?
Our Regional Business Advisors will work one on one with existing businesses to help stabilize and increase, as well as if required, identify and diversify revenues streams. Their activities will be to advise and coach business owners to determine their specific needs and align their strategic direction. Each Advisor brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning and business development. They can also help identify programming, grants, subsidies and initiatives that are being offered by a myriad of providers from all levels of government and industry. If assistance is required, to aid in the application process, the coach can help or be a conduit to individuals who have sector/industry specific knowledge and expertise.
Apply NowComplete an application and return by email to admin@cfnanaimo.org – in the subject line type Regional Business Advisory Services Application. Application forms are included in this post, below.
For more information you can contact admin@cfnanaimo.org, call 250-591-7499, or visit https://www.cfnanaimo.org/rural-advisory-program-regional-business-advisory-services/.