Community Futures Wood Buffalo

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Canada
Fort McMurray, AB
Community Futures Wood Buffalo

Community Futures Wood Buffalo is a community driven, social-profit organization staffed by business professionals & guided by a volunteer board of directors.

Community Futures Wood Buffalo offers loans up to $150,000. Our staff informs small business owners on processes like; incorporation, business plans, applications for permits and licenses as well as other necessary activities in small business start-up or expansion. We provide a wide range of small business services and business management tools for people wanting to start, expand, franchise or se

ll a business. We also run a number of specialized business programs, organize exciting business events and actively work with community and business leaders to foster rural economic growth. Funded in Western Canada by Western Economic Diversification Canada, Community Futures has been supporting small business and rural economic diversification since 1986. There are 27 Community Futures offices in rural communities throughout Alberta, and a total of 269 across the country.

06/17/2026

Wednesday Wisdom 💡

“Every challenge your business faces is just an opportunity in disguise—success is about how creatively you uncover it.”

In business, challenges are inevitable. Markets shift, plans change, and unexpected obstacles arise. But often, these moments create space for new ideas, better strategies, and stronger solutions.

The businesses that grow are not the ones that avoid challenges altogether. They are the ones that learn to look at challenges differently, adapt with creativity, and turn obstacles into opportunities for progress.

This week, consider the challenges in front of you and ask: what opportunity might be hidden within them?

06/16/2026

Ready to grow your business with short-form video?

Join us for an upcoming TikTok workshop designed to help entrepreneurs, creators, and service-based businesses learn how to create engaging videos that capture attention, grow their audience, and drive real results.

TikTok is one of the fastest-growing platforms for brands and small businesses, but success comes from using it strategically. In this workshop, participants will learn how to plan effective short-form videos, understand what makes content perform, leverage trends, use sound and captions, and explore the fundamentals of TikTok’s algorithm.

Whether you’re new to TikTok or looking to strengthen your video strategy, this session will provide practical examples, hands-on guidance, and the confidence to use TikTok as a powerful tool for business growth.

To register visit:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tiktok-for-business-master-short-form-video-go-viral-drive-real-results-tickets-1989689250108?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

06/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our AI workshops on June 10 and June 11.

Across two engaging sessions, participants explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in business and how AI tools can be used to strengthen operations, improve efficiency, and support innovation.

A special thank you to Colette Close from the UpClose Team for leading the sessions with expertise, clarity, and practical insight. Her guidance helped make AI more approachable, relevant, and actionable for entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals.

We appreciate everyone who attended, participated, and contributed to the conversation. Your engagement helped make both sessions a meaningful success. 💚

06/05/2026

Alongside our social media workshops, we also offer personalized one-to-one support for entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their online presence. 🌱

From branding and content planning to platform strategy, audience engagement, and understanding social media trends, participants receive tailored guidance designed around their unique business goals and current stage of growth.

This personalized approach helps entrepreneurs build confidence online while developing practical strategies they can consistently apply to support long-term business success.

If you’re interested in personalized social media support for your business, please email [email protected] for more information.

06/04/2026

Thinking about buying a business? 🌱

Before you invest, make sure you understand:
✔️ Cash flow and operating costs
✔️ The true value of the business
✔️ Expansion opportunities
✔️ Marketing and customer retention strategies
✔️ Financing options available to you

A successful business purchase starts with a strong plan, realistic projections, and understanding both the risks and opportunities ahead.

Set yourself up for long-term success — not just ownership.

Learn more: https://woodbuffalo.albertacf.com/services/buying-a-small-business-in-wood-buffalo

06/03/2026

Wednesday Wisdom ✨

“Anyone who runs a business that’s sustainable and profitable, whether it’s big or small, should be proud.”

Success isn’t always about size — it’s about resilience, consistency, and building something that lasts. Every small business making a positive impact in their community deserves to be celebrated. 🌱

06/02/2026

Join us on June 3 for our YouTube for Business workshop and learn how to use video content strategically to grow your brand, build credibility, and increase visibility online.

This workshop is designed for entrepreneurs, creators, and service-based businesses looking to better understand YouTube and create content with purpose.

Participants will learn:
✨ How to plan and structure videos
✨ Content strategies that support business goals
✨ Titles, thumbnails, and audience retention
✨ How the YouTube algorithm works

Whether you’re new to YouTube or refining your current strategy, this session will help you confidently use video as a long-term business growth tool.

🕚 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📩 Register to receive the meeting link by email.

To register visit:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/youtube-for-business-building-brand-authority-through-video-content-tickets-1987948954838?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

06/01/2026

At Community Futures Wood Buffalo, we believe strong partnerships create stronger communities. 🌱

We partner with:
🤝 Banks & Financial Institutions
🤝 Chambers of Commerce & Rotary Clubs
🤝 Municipalities & Economic Development Committees

Together, we support entrepreneurs through business planning, mentorship, marketing guidance, and financing support—helping build a stronger, more resilient small business community across Wood Buffalo.

Let's work together to support local entrepreneurs and drive economic growth in our region. Partner with us today.

https://woodbuffalo.albertacf.com/partners

05/29/2026

Join us on June 10 & 11 for Building Your AI Foundation & Practical Tools for Business!

This hands-on workshop will help entrepreneurs, professionals, and organizations better understand how AI can support productivity, communication, research, and content creation in their daily work.

Led by entrepreneur and leadership coach Colette Close, participants will explore practical tools including ChatGPT, Canva, Gamma, HeyGen, NotebookLM, and more — while learning how to confidently integrate AI into their business operations.

📍 Community Futures Wood Buffalo Office
🕒 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

To register visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/building-your-ai-foundation-practical-tools-for-business-tickets-1989695367405?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

05/28/2026

Join us on June 4 in Fort Chipewyan for the Community Business Connect!

This is an in-person event designed to support aspiring and current entrepreneurs through practical business learning and meaningful conversation. This session will introduce the fundamentals of business planning while creating space for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community-driven discussion.

Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to strengthen your business foundation, this is an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow within your community.

📍 Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Office
🕒 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
💵 Free to attend
🍪 Snacks and refreshments provided

To register visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fort-chipewyan-business-connect-tickets-1989699790635?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Address

105, 9912 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray, AB
T9H2K5

Telephone

+17807910330

Website

http://woodbuffalo.albertacf.com/

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