Stó:lō Community Futures is a "not-for-profit" organization whose programs are directed by a Board of Directors whose members are a volunteer group of local business professionals and community leaders who are concerned about the economy and development of their community. Stó:lō Community Futures is mandated to provide support in the process of community economic development to all Aboriginal peoples living within the Stó:lō Traditional Territory. Most of all, Stó:lō Community Futures embrace and celebrate Stó:lō cultural values and believe in creating and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit in our communities.
Stó:lō Community Futures contributes to social and economic well being within the Stó:lō Traditional Territory by providing small to medium-sized business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs access to services tailored to individual needs. We assist Aboriginal people living within the Stó:lō Traditional Territory through a range of community economic development initiatives, business support services, and lending services. We offer a full-service support centre, for Aboriginals wanting to start or expand their own businesses, with business supports ranging from financing to training programs.
Community Futures was established by the Federal Government in 1986 to assist local communities in responding to the severe economic and labour market changes they were facing.
Core funding is provided by Western Economic Diversification. Community Futures branches are locally based, non-profit organizations overseen by a volunteer board of directors. There are 34 active Community Futures in BC.
Click here for the History of Community Futures.
Our Vision
The Stó:lō Community Futures supports the growth of Aboriginal entrepreneurs and the economic development of the Aboriginal Communities, within the Stó:lō Traditional Territory, by assisting the Communities to develop and diversify their economies by means of strategic planning, business services and access to capital, while also developing an entire suite of support services to encourage Aboriginal entrepreneurial growth in the Stó:lō Territory.
Our Mission
Stó:lō Community Futures’ Mission is to provide services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and Stó:lō First Nation communities within the Stó:lō Traditional Territory, through a wide range of business and economic development services. Stó:lō Community Futures offers entrepreneurial training, has a central business resource centre, helps with obtaining financing and creating business plans. Our Community Services focus on building Stó:lō Communities with community planning, and focuses on youth, business, agriculture, forestry and tourism sector initiatives.
Our Commitment
Through partnerships with Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal, and government agencies, Stó:lō Community Futures is committed to building upon community strengths and creating employment opportunities for Aboriginal people. Some of the ways we are able to do this is by building community capacity, diversifying the local Aboriginal economy, attracting new business and investments, expanding existing businesses, and by training and supporting young entrepreneurs.
