Going into business, whether starting a new business or buying an existing one, can be daunting, but you don’t need to do it all on your own.
Community Futures Fraser Fort George based in Prince George offers business loans and free business help and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, those looking to take their business to the next level or for leaders to pass the reins to new owners.
“We do business loans for anyone looking to start a business, expand a business or exit a business,” Community Futures business analyst Natalie Richardson said. “But loan or not, our services are complementary. We do coach business people, existing and new.”
For aspiring entrepreneurs they offer an introductory course, titled “Starting Your Own Business: A Checklist,” and offer many useful tools like a business plan template and cash flow calculators. For those looking to dive deeper into different topics, they also offer a series of detailed workshops for $80 per workshop.
“We help them with the business plans and cash flow projections,” Richardson said. “We always encourage them, if they are passionate about an idea. We help them so they can take the next steps.”
Two of the biggest areas new entrepreneurs need help is around market research – figuring out who their market is and how to reach them – and finances, she said.
With tools available through Community Futures, aspiring business people can figure out their costs and calculate how much they have to sell, and at what price, to be profitable.
“Those numbers, when you put them down on paper, don’t lie,” Richardson said.
For more information, visit Community Futures online or email general@cfdc.bc.ca.
