Community Futures Western Ontario

09/30/2026

Today, we remember the Indigenous children who were sent to Residential Schools and never returned, and to honour the survivors, their families, and their communities. We encourage everyone to take time to engage in meaningful discussions and educate yourselves about the history and ongoing issues faced by Indigenous peoples.

Community Futures Western Ontario will be closed today, Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in acknowledgement of survivors & victims. We will resume normal operating hours on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

09/29/2026

The Community Futures Western Ontario office will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in acknowledgement of survivors and victims of the Residential Schools. We will resume normal operating hours on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

09/28/2026

What a week at the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo!

From meeting entrepreneurs and community builders to sharing how Community Futures supports rural businesses across Western Ontario, we had an incredible time connecting with people from every corner of the province.

The International Plowing Match is about much more than agriculture. It's about community, innovation, local business, and the people who help rural Ontario thrive. We were proud to be part of it.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, shared a story, asked a question, or simply took a moment to connect. We left inspired by the passion, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that exists throughout rural Ontario.

See you at the next one!

09/25/2026

As Community Futures Week comes to a close, we want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone across Western Ontario who helped make this week such a success.

From attending webinars and events to sharing stories about the impact Community Futures has had on your business, organization, or community, your participation helped shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening in rural communities throughout the region.

This week was a powerful reminder that behind every business launched, every expansion completed, and every dream pursued, there are dedicated Community Futures teams working alongside entrepreneurs to help turn ideas into opportunity.

We are especially grateful to the Honourable Evan Solomon for recognizing the important role Community Futures organizations play in supporting rural economic development and helping businesses thrive across Ontario. Watch Minister Solomon's message here: https://youtu.be/zXkwqB7JBB4

To our member offices, staff, volunteers, board members, community partners, and the entrepreneurs who trust us with their business journeys, thank you. Your stories are the reason we do what we do.

Community Futures Week may only come once a year, but the impact of Community Futures is felt every day in communities across Western Ontario.

The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence an...

09/23/2026

Celebrating 15 Years of Impact! 🎉

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Community Futures Western Ontario's 15th Annual General Meeting and Client Showcase on September 17. We were proud to showcase incredible businesses from across the region, including Ingersoll Rails - House of Brews, Joanie's Pastries, Not Ordinary Chips, and Generations C***r Co., and to hear from Crafty Ramen, Optimotive, Enhanced Medical Nutrition, and Axe Living during our Entrepreneur Fireside Chat.

A special thank you to all of our guests, partners, funders, and community leaders for joining us and sharing your support as we celebrate this important milestone. Your partnership helps strengthen businesses and communities across Western Ontario.

🎥 Missed the event or want to watch it again? View the AGM and Client Showcase in its entirety here: https://youtu.be/mDLlqI067QY?si=wr7U1xnQJiAMmtkj

On September 17, Community Futures Western Ontario proudly welcomed...

09/22/2026

📢 Our story. Our communities. Our impact.

As we celebrate Community Futures Week 2026, we're proud to launch the Community Futures Western Ontario 2025/2026 Annual Report.

Over the past year, Community Futures offices across Western Ontario have helped entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses, supported companies through growth and expansion, and invested in the long-term vitality of rural communities.

The results are inspiring, and they're all captured in this year's report.

Take a look at the achievements and partnerships that showcase the power of local economic development.

📖 View the report here: https://cfwesternontario.ca/annual-report/

Together, we're building stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a stronger Western Ontario.

09/22/2026

🎉 Happy Community Futures Week!

We are honoured to have the support of MPP Billy Denault as we celebrate the impact of Community Futures organizations across Ontario. His recognition of the work being done by Community Futures Development Corporations in rural communities speaks to the important role we play in helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and succeed.

This acknowledgement is especially meaningful as MPP Denault was instrumental in introducing the motion recognizing the third week of September as Rural Ontario Week, shining a spotlight on the people, businesses, and communities that help drive Ontario forward.

Thank you for your support of rural economic development and the Community Futures network.

🎥 Watch MPP Denault's message here:

https://youtu.be/a2C4618dlEA?si=0vLEgdDBmuaTeYDm

MPP Billy Denault, representing Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, shares ...

09/21/2026

🚜 Visiting the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo this week?

Make Community Futures Western Ontario and Saugeen Economic Development Corporation your first stop!

As part of Community Futures Week 2026, we'll be in Tent City, Section 1B, Booths 16-22, from September 22-26, ready to connect, chat, and share how Community Futures supports businesses and communities across rural Western Ontario.

Stop by and say hello. We'd love to meet you!

09/21/2026

It’s Community Futures Week!

From September 21-27, we’re celebrating the entrepreneurs, businesses, people, partnerships, and communities that make rural Ontario strong.

Community Futures is locally driven and nationally supported, combining local knowledge and decision-making with the resources of a network that reaches across Ontario and Canada.

Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting the impact of the Community Futures Program and offering free webinars for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Join us as we celebrate Community Futures Week 2026 and the people working every day to support rural Ontario growth.

Learn more and explore this week’s virtual sessions:

https://www.cfontario.ca/cfweek

09/18/2026

Community Futures Week starts next week, and so does our free webinar series!

Throughout the week, entrepreneurs and small business owners across Ontario can join free virtual sessions featuring expert insights, practical information, and resources to help businesses move forward.

Topics include economic trends, workplace safety, government supports, succession planning, fraud prevention, and more.

There’s still time to register! Explore the full lineup and sign up for the sessions that interest you: https://www.cfontario.ca/cfweek