Lending Expertise, Manpower or Capacity to Community Projects
Community Futures Stuart Nechako team members are currently working on the following projects:
1. Business Training CFSN provided 3 week long business training sessions, on how to start or purchase a business, as part of a 12 week program delivered to experienced workers by the local community college. Sessions provided up to 12 students with skills and knowledge such as business structure, marketing, finance, performance monitoring, commercialization and innovation in order that they better develop work skills. The course topics included information on how to start or obtain a business and the types of activities that are undertaken to analyse a small business. Students were introduced to structuring a business (proprietorship/partnership vs incorporation), business name, registration and the type of red tape to expect in a few different types of businesses. Students were exposed to business planning activities with an emphasis on determining market, and what is involved in marketing? A business case study was presented to develop student analytical skills. Exercises involved cash flow projecting, breakeven analysis, advertising planning, inventory turnover analysis and value chains. Business financing and the information in financial statements such as the income statement and balance sheet was introduced. Students researched the demographics in their community and evaluated the potential for small business to grow in their community. Some students brought their experiences in operating a business and most agreed that, although they were not going to start a business in the near future, the skills and knowledge they gained throught the course would be useful in managing their households. |
2. Business Profile Workshop CFSN facilitated a workshop in one of its communities to assist business operators in developing their profiles to use in their promotional activities. Over 20 business operators and stakeholders participated. The main topics of discussion were developing and utilizing websites and social media to better market a small business. |
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3. Child Care Survey CFSN assisted a not for profit social enterprise to conduct market research survey to assess the need and support for a community funded daycare in their community. This information will be used to develop funding applications and strategic planning activity including market analysis. |
4. Micro Loans One of the key objectives of CFSN is to work with community organizations to develop micro loans programs in order to advance entrepreneurship for their members. Micro loans can be a key tool in assisting individuals to test markets, and put a business plan into action. Micro loan recipients gain business experience and other life skills and confidence by starting with integrated community and financial supports. |
Visit our Past Projects pages to see examples of projects undertaken by Community Futures Stuart Nechako.
