Business Programs
If you want to start or expand a business, we can help. We offer a wide variety of services and resources that can give you the support you need to realize your business vision.
We also offer specialized programs for:
Western Youth Entrepreneur Program
Looking for a unique job experience? Why not make your own job?
Been touching up your resume? Why not work up a business plan instead?
The program is designed to help young people recognize their entrepreneurial goals and start a small business.
To qualify for a Western Youth Entrepreneur program you must:
- Have a creative, viable business idea or plan
- Be between 18 and 29 years old
- Live in the Lakeland Region
The program offers:
- Assistance in developing a business plan
- Training through small business courses
- Access to a wealth of information about everything from export and trade, to selling to government markets, to accessing other loan programs and government business services
- Business loans of up to $25,000 the terms of which are specifically tailored to address each individual entrepreneur's needs and are repayable at competitive rates
Loans can be used for:
- Starting or expanding a business
- Applying new technology to your business
- Upgrading facilities and equipment
- Developing marketing and promotions material
- Establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases
Aboriginal Entrepreneurs
Community Futures Lakeland is an Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN) mini site. Community Futures Lakeland was selected based on the geographic coverage, proximity to Aboriginal communities, and their expressed commitment to serve their Aboriginal clients’ business needs.
Our mini site contains information about the products and services provided by Alberta’s ASBN, and are equipped with a collection of Aboriginal-specific books and a trained ABSN representative.
Some of the books in our library include:
- First Nations & Inuit Youth Business Program
- Aboriginal Businesses: Characteristics & Strategies for Growth
- Aboriginal Law Handbook
- Aboriginal Entrepreneurship & Business Development
- Building Successful Aboriginal Ventures
- Demand for Aboriginal Tourism Products in the Canadian & American Markets
- Aboriginal Tourism Business Planning Guide
- Corporate Aboriginal Relations
The ABSN is committed to serving Aboriginal entrepreneurs in Alberta by:
- Providing improved access to business
- Customizing information products to meet the unique needs of Aboriginal clients
- Providing local access to information products, referrals and some services
- Strengthening a national network of Aboriginal business and economic service providers
Click here to go to the Aboriginal Business Service Network website.
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program
This program is designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs with disabilities to pursue their business goals and contribute to economic growth within their rural community.
To qualify for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program you must:
- Live in the Lakeland Region
- Have a disability that impairs your ability to perform at least one of the basic activities of self-employment or entrepreneurship
The program offers:
- Assistance in developing a business plan
- Training through small business courses
- Business loans up to $150,000, the terms of which are specifically tailored to address each individual entrepreneur's needs and are repayable at competitive rates
Loans can be used for:
- Starting or expanding a business
- Applying new technology to your business
- Upgrading facilities and equipment
- Developing marketing and promotions material
- Establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases
