Community Futures boasts new office with Chamber of Commerce
By Community Futures
Community Futures Central Kootenay has partnered with Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce to offer its business services – such as business counselling and loan programs – from the Chamber’s office at 1995 6 Avenue.
This new partnership will give Community Futures a greater presence in Castlegar and help local entrepreneurs become aware of and access the services available to them.
“We have been helping small business owners in Castlegar for close to 30 years and we want to expand our presence in the community,” said Community Futures, Executive Director Andrea Wilkey. “When business owners are facing new opportunities or challenges, we want to be there for them.”
Community Futures Central Kootenay is a non-profit organization that helps businesses be successful through delivering a variety of business support services, including a business loan program, free business counselling, skills training workshops, the Self Employment Program (in partnership with Kootenay Career Development Society) as well as being the delivery partner for Columbia Basin Trust’s Basin Business Advisors Program.
Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tammy Verigin-Burk is pleased to have Community Futures have a presence in the Chamber building.
“Our services complement each other well,” Verigin-Burk said. “The Chamber is a business advocate, working to improve the local business environment and Castlegar as a whole; while Community Futures works directly with individual entrepreneurs to help them launch and expand their business.”
Community Futures business counsellors offer free one-on-one appointments for the general public every Wednesday afternoon at the Castlegar & District Chamber. To book an appointment to meet with Community Futures staff at the Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce office, call 250-352-1933 ext. 100.
Community Futures has helped numerous entrepreneurs with their businesses in Castlegar, including Crumbs Bakery and Cafe, Kootenay Hats, Twisted Thyme, Ernie’s Used Autoparts and, most recently, The Red Dresser women’s clothing consignment shop.
For more information about Community Futures programs, visit www.futures.bc.ca.
