We look for local solutions that fit the challenges of our local economy.
We are a community-based, provincially incorporated not-for-profit organization that is governed by local volunteers. Community Futures provides support for Ontario rural small-to-medium-sized enterprises that wish to improve efficiencies and finances, grow employment services, and decrease their costs. Each regional Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) provides expert guidance to business owners on practical services and regulations to ensure companies align with provincial needs and benefit from government services and capital when needed. Along with 60 other Community Futures Development Corporation’s in rural Ontario, we receive operational funding from the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario.
Our Mission
We provide innovative solutions to small to medium-sized enterprises by delivering techniques and funding opportunities to develop their economic and employment growth with high-quality services and expert guidance.
Diversity and Inclusion
We treat all members of our community with respect and dignity, actively promoting inclusion and diversity within all fundamental components of our network.
Board of Directors
Ray Bonenberg
Chair
Township of North Algona Wilberforce
Past Regional Director of Ministry of Natural Resources
Entrepreneur
Darrel Ryan
Past Chair
City of Pembroke
Past CAO of Laurentian Valley Township
Sheldon Reiche
Vice Chair
Township of Laurentian Valley
Lawyer
Lynn Saunders
Treasurer
Township of McNab/Braeside
CFO-Plaintree Industries
John Becvar
Director
Township of Laurentian Valley
Past Regional Director-Scotiabank
Nicole Adams
Director
Town of Petawawa
Services Coordinator with the Petawawa Transition Centre
Wendy Stone
Director
Township of Whitewater Region
Entrepreneur CPA CMA
Dave Lemkay
Director
Township of Admaston/Bromley
Canadian Forestry Association Chair
Algonquin Forest Authority
Ann Aikens
Director
Town of Deep River
Past Mayor of the Town of Deep River
Relationship Manager for Nuclear Waste Management Organization
Meghan Sutherland
Director
City of Pembroke
Branch Manager at Meridian Credit Union
Past President of the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Angela Schutt
Director
City of Pembroke
Partner at Welch LLP accounting firm, specializing in public and non-profit accounting services.
Siobhan McGarr
Director
City of Pembroke
Francophone federal employee
Advocate for those who are marginalized, veterans and seniors.
Tony Garretto
Member
City of Pembroke
Lawyer
Recruitment Process
The Recruitment & Nominating Committee is responsible for the preparation of a slate of directors to be elected at the Annual General Meeting. The opportunity for nominations is also open from the floor at the Annual General Meeting.
The organization strives to have a well-balanced board with representation from across Renfrew County, 50:50 gender parity and a cross-section of ages. In addition to being knowledgeable and passionate about the communities they serve, our directors have expertise in various disciplines that support our mandates and objectives.
To review the full Board Recruitment Policy, click here.
To promote and participate in the development of community plans and strategies for addressing socio-economic change, development of local economies and job creation.
To provide financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs experiencing difficulties in obtaining traditional financing for the development, expansion, or restructuring of their operations where the aforementioned objectives, new employment opportunities or the introduction of new business initiatives are involved.
To become self-sufficient in the provision of loans to enhance regional economic diversification and job creation.
To provide skilled business advice to clients.
Our Key Partners
FedDev Ontario delivers programs and services to support innovation and economic growth in southern Ontario. FedDev Ontario supports the Community Futures organizations and their respective regional networks that are located within rural eastern and southern Ontario.
Community Futures Ontario represents 60 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) – 36 in southern Ontario and 24 in the north – that offer free business counselling, loans for start-up and expansion of small business, strategic planning on local projects and community economic development in rural areas.
Community Futures Eastern Ontario represents the network of 14 participating Community Futures Development Corporations in Eastern Ontario and acts as their regional voice. We are a community driven economic development initiative designed to assist rural areas.
Success Stories
“Riverwood Acoustics started 3 years ago with a mission to design and manufacture world class audio products made from reclaimed historic timber in Renfrew County. With the support of the entire team at RCCFDC we have been able to scale our first product (Hudson) into an expanding product line and now are shipping across North America and soon Europe. The funding, guidance and local resources allow us to continuously drive growth in our business in downtown Renfrew.”
Ben Seaman, Riverwood Acoustics
“We have been working with RCCFDC for several years. We appreciate how they are always looking out for our best interests, especially during these challenging days. They really do care about small business and are always ready to help with guidance and reassurance. We can honestly say that the success of our business is in part due to the support we have received from RCCFDC.”
Yvette-Boudreau-Smith, Pinewood Inn
“We have been working with RCCFDC for several years. We appreciate how they are always looking out for our best interests, especially during these challenging days. They really do care about small business and are always ready to help with guidance and reassurance. We can honestly say that the success of our business is in part due to the support we have received from RCCFDC.”
Yvette-Boudreau-Smith, Pinewood Inn
“We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for the support and tremendous assistance received from Community Futures Development Corporation. RCCFDC provided the funding that we required, when traditional lending institutions would not. Our mission was to transform a 1950’s group of rundown cabins into a quaint, modern, well maintained, small resort facility. The community of Calabogie has long been a tourist destination but has always lacked accommodations for extended stays.
Without the backing from Community Futures in 2012 the property would have, in all likelihood, been transformed into a single use, residential site.
In September 2020, with the wholehearted support and encouragement of Mike Thompson, Business Development Officer RCCFDC, we were able to obtain traditional bank financing which provided for an interest reduction. The current appraisal required by the Bank showed an increase of 55% in the value of this project.
Our facility consistently receives a rating of 5 out of 5 from our guests. By visiting our commercial cottage listing at www.cottagesincanada.com/whippoorwillvalley you will find REVIEWS as well as forty photos of what has become a gem in the Calabogie tourism crown.
The confidence and sense of security afforded to us, by the Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation organization was equally as important as the financial assistance.”
