Community Futures Wood Buffalo

08/20/2026

Are you a business owner or entrepreneur in Anzac or Conklin? We’re coming to your community!

Join us for a Business Connect session designed to give local entrepreneurs an opportunity to connect with the Community Futures Wood Buffalo team, learn about available business supports and resources, ask questions, and discuss opportunities for starting or growing a business.

Whether you are an established business owner, thinking about starting a business, or simply looking to learn more about the resources available to entrepreneurs in your community, we would love to connect with you.

Anzac Business Connect: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/anzac-business-connect-empowering-local-entrepreneurs-tickets-1997904030738?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Conklin Business Connect: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/conklin-business-connect-empowering-local-entrepreneurs-tickets-1997904557313?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

We look forward to connecting with local entrepreneurs, learning more about your businesses, and supporting continued economic growth in our communities.

08/19/2026

Wednesday Wisdom 💡

“What do you need to start a business? Three simple things: know your product better than anyone, know your customer, and have a burning desire to succeed.”

— Dave Thomas, Founder of Wendy’s

Starting a business takes more than a great idea. It takes a deep understanding of what you offer, a clear picture of who you serve, and the determination to keep moving forward.

This Wednesday, take a moment to reflect on your business. Do you know your product? Do you know your customer? And do you have the drive to turn your vision into reality?

Keep learning. Keep building. Keep moving forward.

08/18/2026

Ready to strengthen your business’s online presence?

Join us on August 19 for our Digital Marketing Workshop and learn how to use digital marketing tools and strategies to promote your business, reach your target audience, and build a stronger online presence.

This practical and engaging workshop is designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to better understand the fundamentals of digital marketing and how it can support business growth.

Participants will learn how to identify their target audience, choose the right digital platforms, create effective online content, develop practical social media strategies, and use digital marketing to increase visibility and connect with potential customers.

Whether you are just getting started with digital marketing or looking to improve your existing online presence, this workshop will provide practical strategies you can apply directly to your business.

To register visit:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/digital-marketing-101-tickets-1994967141423?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

08/17/2026

Growing a business often requires access to the right financing at the right time. At Community Futures Wood Buffalo, we provide flexible business loan options designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout their business journey.

Whether you are launching a new business, expanding your operations, investing in technology, or preparing your business for sale, our lending team can help you explore financing options that fit your business needs.

Our business loans are available for amounts of up to $150,000, providing entrepreneurs with access to financing to help turn their business goals into action.

Ready to explore your financing options? Complete our Loan Application Form to get started, or contact our team at [email protected] to learn more.

https://woodbuffalo.albertacf.com/images/pdfs/loan_application.pdf

08/13/2026

This month, we’re proud to spotlight Sunday Coffee Roasters—a locally owned café and coffee roastery bringing ethically sourced Ethiopian coffee and meaningful community connection to the region.

Through the Capital Growth Initiative Loan Fund, Sunday Coffee Roasters was able to support the growth and development of its business operations, helping create a space where great coffee, culture, and community come together.

🌱 Locally owned. Ethically sourced. Community focused.

☕ Visit their NEW coffee shop!
📍 122-30 Riedel St
🕙 Open daily from 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

We’re proud to support entrepreneurs like Sunday Coffee Roasters who are growing their businesses while creating spaces that bring people together.

Join us in celebrating Sunday Coffee Roasters as our Business of the Month!

08/06/2026

Thursday Trivia! 🧠

Which of the following is the simplest type of business structure?

A️. Sole Proprietorship
B️. Partnership
C️. Corporation
D️. All of the Above

Want to learn more about the different business structures and how they can impact your taxes, liability, and business operations?

Check out our Setting Up Your Business (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership or Corporation) resource under the Resources section on our website. It's filled with valuable information to help entrepreneurs choose the business structure that best fits their goals and set their business up for success.

https://woodbuffalo.albertacf.com/images/resources/setting_up_your_business.pdf

The right business structure is one of the first steps toward building a strong business foundation.

08/05/2026

Wednesday Wisdom 💡

"The most successful entrepreneurs I know are optimistic. It's part of the job description." — Caterina Fake, Co-founder of Flickr

Success starts with believing in what's possible. Optimism isn't about ignoring challenges—it's about having the confidence to keep moving forward despite them.

Take a moment today to reflect on what inspires you, the progress you've made, and the goals you're working toward. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your vision.

What are you feeling optimistic about this week? ✨

08/04/2026

Whether you're launching a new business or looking to strengthen an existing one, having a clear business plan is one of the most valuable tools for long-term success.

Join us for our Business Plan Workshop, where you'll learn how to:
✅ Define your business goals
✅ Identify your target market
✅ Outline your products or services
✅ Understand your costs and revenue streams
✅ Create a practical roadmap for sustainable growth

This interactive workshop is designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners turn ideas into action with practical strategies and real-world guidance.

Walk away with the confidence and knowledge to begin building—or refining—a business plan that supports smarter decision-making and future success.

📅 Register today and take the next step toward achieving your goals!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/business-plan-workshop-tickets-1994965764304?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

07/31/2026

Securing financing starts with understanding what lenders look for. The 5 Cs of Lending help evaluate your business and determine your readiness for a loan:

✔️ Character – Your reliability and commitment to repaying your loan.
✔️ Capacity – Your ability to manage loan payments through your business's cash flow.
✔️ Capital – The investment you've already made in your business.
✔️ Collateral – Assets that may help secure your loan.
✔️ Conditions – The purpose of the loan and the current business environment.

At Community Futures Wood Buffalo, we understand that every business is unique. That's why we take a broader view of your experience, skills, and potential when reviewing loan applications.

Looking for funding? Apply for a Community Futures business loan today and take the next step toward growing your business. Whether you're launching a new venture, expanding, investing in technology, or preparing your business for sale, we're here to help.

https://vimeo.com/259065423?fl=pl&fe=cm

When you're ready to get a loan here's what we look for in a borrower.

07/30/2026

Thursday Trivia! 🧠

Which of the following is considered a source of capital for a small business?

A️. Founder Investment
B️. Bank Loan
C️. Angel Investors
D️. All of the Above

Want to check your answer and learn more about the benefits, risks, and barriers to different financing options? Check out our Sources of Capital PDF!

It's packed with valuable information to help entrepreneurs understand their funding options and make informed financial decisions.

Knowledge is capital—start building yours today! 💡
https://woodbuffalo.albertacf.com/images/resources/sources_of_capital.pdf