Answer: No. While we partner with both federal and provincial governments, we are a not-for-profit organization operating under the laws of the province of Manitoba.

Answer: We support new and existing entrepreneurs, as well as communities seeking to develop and implement sustainable economic development projects.

Answer: In addition to financial support, we offer technical assistance in areas such as:

• Business planning assistance
• Help accessing available government programs
• Budget and cash flow projections
• Access to business resource materials
• Assistance with government funding applications
• Access to our research and information centre

Answer: No. Our services are government-funded and provided free of charge. Some programs may require you to complete a registration form.

Answer: We recommend beginning with research and writing a business plan to determine your idea’s viability. Your business plan doesn’t necessarily need to be a formal plan, but it should cover the basics of what you will need to consider before starting your business. Contact us to book a personal appointment. We can provide a business plan template and guide you through the process. If you’re unfamiliar with business plans, check out this helpful short video guide to writing a business plan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqch5OrUPvA

This checklist can also help you navigate through the steps of starting a business.

https://cfmanitoba.ca/images/north-central/Community_Futures_Small_Business_Startup_Checklist_1_2.pdf

Answer: Community Futures offers limited grant opportunities through specific programs. The Indigenous Pathways to Entrepreneurship (IPE) Program provides grants of up to $3,000, along with mentorship and business skills training. In addition, the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur (IWE) Program and the Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur (IYE) Program offer microloans of up to $25,000, with up to 45% of the loan forgivable—effectively making that portion a grant.

Our other regular programs do not include grant funding, but we do offer flexible, affordable business loans designed to meet your unique needs and support your business goals.

Answer: We work alongside organizations to support their grant writing efforts; however, the lead grant writer must come from the applying organization. This ensures the project lead is well-informed and accountable for both the initiative and funding. We can mentor grant writers, offer feedback, and help strengthen applications prior to submission.

Answer: Yes—strategic planning can benefit any non-profit or for-profit organization, regardless of size or sector. It helps create a shared vision for the future, establish priorities and goals, and build a clear path forward. It also improves communication, aligns resources, and increases engagement and effectiveness.

Answer: If your organization wants to improve operations, explore new initiatives, or enhance available resources, contact us. We can provide advice, tools, and support to help your nonprofit grow and succeed.

Answer: Community Futures North Central Development is based in Thompson, Manitoba, and we primarily serve the north central region of the province. Our service area includes the following communities:

Churchill, Cross Lake First Nation, Incorporated Community of Cross Lake, Fox Lake, Gillam, Ilford, Nelson House Community, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (Nelson House), Norway House Community, Norway House Cree Nation, Pikwitonei, Tataskweyak First Nation (Split Lake), Thicket Portage, Thompson, Wabowden, War Lake, and York Factory First Nation.

In addition, for some of our specialized programs—including the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur, Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur, Indigenous Pathways to Entrepreneurship, and the Self Employment Program—we extend our services to communities throughout all of northern Manitoba.

Location: 3 Station Rd, Unit 2, Thompson, MB (in the North Centre Mall which is the same building as the bowling alley but CFNCD door is on the opposite side that faces CIBC and McDonald’s)

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM-12:30 PM – 1:30-4:30 PM
If the door is locked, please call reception at 204-677-1490
Closed on all statutory holidays.