For Release
April 13, 2007
Salmon Arm, British Columbia — Entrepreneurs
in Central B.C. communities are celebrating their successes, achieved
with the support of Community Futures offices. While meeting with local
entrepreneurs in Salmon Arm B.C., MP Colin Mayesremarked on the importance
of B.C. Community Futures (CF) offices, which create a thriving business
environment.
“The people at Community Futures work hard to ensure that entrepreneurs
in rural communities can achieve success. The enthusiasm and strength
of these entrepreneurs is the very backbone of what Canada was built
on,” said MP Colin Mayes (Okanagan-Shuswap). “Canada’s
New Government is committed to helping communities across B.C. and in
all of Canada, compete and prosper in the global marketplace.”
In 2006, Canada’s New Government, through Western Economic Diversification
Canada, renewed a four-year core funding agreement to the Community Futures,
providing more than $110 million across the four western provinces. During
2005-06, B.C.’s Community Futures approved a total of 397 loans
to businesses, with a total value of $17.8 million, creating/maintaining
1,490 jobs.
“We see the results of our clients’ hard work and dedication
everyday,” said Dave Andrews, General Manager of the Community
Futures of Shuswap. “Assisting them to achieve entrepreneurial
success helps us in our goal of establishing a stronger economy for Salmon
Arm.”
Established in 1992, the Community Futures Development Association of
B.C. (CFDA of BC) represents 34 individual Community Futures offices
located throughout rural British Columbia. The offices foster local entrepreneurship,
and promote, coordinate and implement a variety of community development
initiatives within their respective communities. They also offer a variety
of entrepreneurial programs, business counselling, loan programs and
business information to community members interested in expanding or
starting their own businesses.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is a department of the
Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry
associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification
of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the
West in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Bernee Bolton
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-1324
Dave Andrews
General Manager
Community Futures of Shuswap
(250) 803-0156
