Business Startup
If you have never started or run a business before, this FREE four-part workshop will get you started on a solid footing!
Week 1
Getting Started
What it takes to start a business
Benefits of starting a business
Coming up with a business idea
Week 2
Business Planning
Researching your business idea
Setting goals
Writing a business plan
Week 3
Financials
Start-up budget
Break-even analysis
Cash Flow analysis
Week 4
Making it Happen
Operations Management
Marketing and Sales
Action Plan
We will also come to your community if there is sufficient demand. If you belong to an organization or group that is interested we can customize sessions to meet your needs.
Business Skills Training
Running a business requires commitment and passion. You are the expert at what you do. Our business-related training will give you the skills you need to ensure your business is a success.
Introduction to Excel
Is an indispensable tool for you and your business.
Basic Bookkeeping
Managing your revenues and expenditures is key to running a successful business.
Sage 50 Simply Accounting
Accounting software for your business.
Self Employment Program
The Self Employment Program is funded by the Province of British Columbia under the Employment Program of BC. On the North Island and Central Coast the Self Employment Program is delivered by Community Futures Mt. Waddington under contract to the North Island Employment Foundation Society (NIEFS).
The program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants who want to start their own business or purchase an existing business, in which they have had no prior ownership. The Self Employment Program provides income support, business skills development workshops, counseling for up to 48 weeks.
TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM YOU MUST:
- Be currently on Employment Insurance (EI) or have had an EI claim in the past three years or a parental claim in the past five years;
- Be unemployed or underemployed;
- Want to start your own business;
- Have a controlling interest in the business;
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada;
- Propose a business concept that would be suitable for public funding – the business concept must be legal and not exploiting sex, politics or religion;
- Have completed the Self Employment Program Orientation.
- Plan to work full time (minimum of 35 hrs/wk) in your business.
The Self-Employment Program does not provide start up financing. Individuals requiring a business loan to start their business are referred to the lending program at Community Futures or other financial institutions. To learn more about the Self-Employment Program please visit WorkBC or contact us to learn what services they provide.
The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program
Persons with disabilities may face unique barriers to business creation and development. In recognition of this, The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) was established in 1997 through funding from Western Economic Diversification and the support of the Community Futures network. At Community Futures, we see the business and the person’s ability first, and then strive to provide extra support to those entrepreneurs who are also managing disability and health issues. The goal of the EDP is to increase access to business services and repayable business financing to level the playing field for these entrepreneurs.
The EDP loans program is available for people who self-declare a disability or health condition and who have completed a viable business plan. Business loans are repayable and through the EDP, loan terms are designed to be flexible and are tailored to meet your needs. Contact us and speak with our Business Analysts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often do you offer these workshops?
Normally, we offer these workshops twice per year once in the spring and once in the fall.
- Where are the workshops offered?
We deliver the workshops twice a year in both Port Hardy and Port McNeill. If there is sufficient demand we will offer the workshops to groups or other communities as needed.
- How do I know if I qualify for the Self-Employment Program?
If you are interested in the Self-Employment Program you can come in and discuss with CF staff, however, the eligibility determination is made by North Island Employment Foundation Society (NIEFS).
- How do I get started in the Self-Employment Program?
The first step is to contact NIEFS, who will determine eligibility, help you develop an Action Plan and then refer you to Community Futures to get started in the Program.
- If I have a disability how does the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program help me?
The EDP offers both pre and post loan support, including: business planning, marketing, financing and ongoing support.
- Is there a cost to take the workshops?
The business start-up workshops are free. The Business Skills Training are priced as follows:
- Introduction to Excel (12 hours) – $155
- Basic Bookkeeping (21 hours) – $210
- Sage 50 Simply Accounting (15 hours) – $150