• Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Careers
  • Who We Are
    • Our Board
    • Our Staff
    • Governance and Accountability
    • Annual Reports and Financial Statements
  • Who We Serve
  • News
  • Learning
Community Futures North Okanagan
  • Home
  • Business Services
    • Starting Your Business
      • Self Employment
      • Buying a Business
      • Business Coaching
      • Planning Tools
      • Business Loans
    • Growing Your Business
      • Employer Support
      • Business Coaching
      • Succession Planning
      • Supports, Funding, Grants
      • Momentum
      • Business Exchange
      • Export Navigator
      • Continuity Planning
      • Business Loans
    • Loans
      • Loans Application
      • Business Loans
      • Micro Loans
      • 4-H Loans
    • Workshops
      • Workshop Calendar
  • Programs
    • Self Employment
    • Employ for Youth
    • Momentum
    • Business Exchange
    • Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
    • Export Navigator
    • Enterprize Challenge
    • Reach
    • SharED
    • WorkBC
    • Inclusive Hiring Hub
    • RNIP – Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot
    • Newcomers Loan
  • Employment Services
    • WorkBC
    • Employ for Youth
  • Contact
  • Menu Menu

New REACH program helps agriculture businesses recover

September 22, 2020/in News

NEWS RELEASE

VERNON,BC–From lost farmgate sales to lost harvest workers, agricultural businesses in the North Okanagan have had a tough year because of COVID-19. Now, a new business accelerator program aims to help the region’s agricultural entrepreneurs get the tools and support they need to pivot operations, scale up and succeed.

“We recognized a need to bring the agricultural business community greater support in identifying opportunities that will help them stay strong and resilient,” says Kazia Mullin, Business Services Manager, Community Futures North Okanagan.

Over the course of 22 weeks, participants in the REACH Agricultural Pilot Program will move through five phases of business development to uncover gaps and opportunities, create an action plan to develop the business, and implement key steps. Along the way, REACH members will participate in workshops and be supported by peers as well as program facilitator Andrea Gunner, a leading agrologist and agricultural consultant who also runs a pastured poultry operation in the North Okanagan.

“Andrea really understands the unique challenges faced by producers in our area because she’s been there herself and she will be a terrific asset as a coach,” says Mullin.

REACH is a no-cost program that will kick off in late October and run through March 2021 with virtual workshops, access to professional services and one-on-one coaching.

I think it will be a great benefit for them to hear about the common challenges they’re all facing so they know they’re not alone, and to hear some other perspectives and ideas.

Andrea Gunner, REACH program facilitator

“It can be hard when you are so busy on your farm to take time to look at the big picture and how you can actually find some silver linings in all this,” says Gunner.  “Producers are also out on their own, so I think it will be a great benefit for them to hear about the common challenges they’re all facing so they know they’re not alone, and to hear some other perspectives and ideas.”

Acceptance for applications to the REACH Agricultural Pilot Program is now closed

-30-

ABOUT COMMUNITY FUTURES NORTH OKANAGAN

Community Futures North Okanagan is a not-for-profit organization that supports economic development projects and helps our business community, job-seekers, and employers succeed. As a community-based organization with roots in Vernon dating back to 1984, Community Futures acts as a leader to create opportunities for growth and success across the North Okanagan. A team of nearly 45 staff provides workshops, programs, and services for three departments: Business Services, Employment Services, and Economic Development. Visit www.futuresbc.com to learn more.

The REACH program is supported by Western Economic Diversification, Accelerate Okanagan and the Regional District of the North Okanagan.

https://www.futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Copy-of-Copy-of-TRAINER-SPOTLIGHT-4.png 788 940 Kazia Mullin https://futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Community-Futures-North-Okanagan-Logo.png Kazia Mullin2020-09-22 13:49:462020-09-22 13:49:46New REACH program helps agriculture businesses recover

Business development group seeks new members

September 14, 2020/in News

VERNON, BC—A Community Futures business development group that has been supporting small business owners for decades will now bring its members together virtually—and the group is accepting applications for new members.

Business Exchange, hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO), meets bi-monthly to help entrepreneurs navigate a range of challenges and opportunities.

“This is really a forum so non-competitive business owners can share their experiences, learn from one another and our guest speakers, and grow their businesses,” says Connie Viszlai, business services advisor, CFNO. “One of the real strengths of Business Exchange is having a place to solve problems and come up with new ideas and strategies to address business challenges. Members bring unique perspectives, expertise, and support that everyone benefits from.”

“One of the real strengths of Business Exchange is having a place to solve problems and come up with new ideas and strategies to address business challenges.”

Connie Viszlai

Business Exchange also aims to foster local business partnerships and focuses on the needs of participating businesses facing issues unique to the North Okanagan. Members range from owners of retail stores to environmental consultants, credit union managers and home renovation company operators from across the region.

“Many of our members have been a part of Business Exchange for years, which really speaks to the value of the group, so it’s a great opportunity for a small business owner to join and potentially identify some unrealized business opportunities.”

Business Exchange meetings will be held bi-monthly in a virtual format until it’s safe to meet again in person. If you are interested in applying to become a member, email Connie Viszlai at conniev@futuresbc.com or call 250-545-2215 ext. 258.

ABOUT COMMUNITY FUTURES NORTH OKANAGAN

Community Futures North Okanagan is a not-for-profit organization that supports economic development projects and helps our business community, job-seekers, and employers succeed. As a community-based organization with roots in Vernon dating back to 1984, Community Futures acts as a leader to create opportunities for growth and success across the North Okanagan. A team of nearly 45 staff provides workshops, programs, and services for three departments: Business Services, Employment Services, and Economic Development. Visit www.futuresbc.com to learn more.

https://www.futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Business-Exchange.png 788 940 Kazia Mullin https://futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Community-Futures-North-Okanagan-Logo.png Kazia Mullin2020-09-14 11:26:512020-09-14 11:26:51Business development group seeks new members

Pages

  • Apply To This Year’s Enterprize Challenge
  • Business Loan Application
  • Directions Application
  • Enterprize Challenge 2022 Final Pitch and Awards Program
  • Event Submission
  • Home
  • Momentum Application
  • Privacy Policy
  • Reach Application
  • Self Employment Program Application
  • Thank your applying!
  • Volunteer Application
  • Our Staff
  • Bridges Application Form
  • Bridges Application
  • Our Board
  • Who We Serve
  • Our Mission
  • Governance and Accountability
  • Annual Reports and Financial Statements
  • News
  • Self Employment
  • Buying a New Business
  • Business Coaching
  • Planning Tools
  • Employer Support
  • Succession Planning
  • Supports, Funding, Grants
  • Business Loans
  • Micro Loans
  • Newcomers Loan
  • 4-H Loans
  • Small Business Week 2022
  • Workshop Calendar
  • Employ for Youth
  • Momentum
  • Business Exchange
  • Continuity Planning
  • Reach
  • Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
  • Export Navigator
  • Enterprize Challenge
  • SharED
  • RNIP – Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot
  • Contact
  • Past Projects
  • Careers
  • Partners
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Categories

  • News
  • Success Story
  • Uncategorized

Archive

  • January 2023
  • October 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • April 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • July 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • October 2016
  • August 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • August 2015
  • May 2015
  • December 2014

About Community Futures

From our office in downtown Vernon, Community Futures North Okanagan offers employment, business and economic development services to help residents build their future and the community. We service Armstrong, Coldstream, Enderby, Grindrod, Lavington, Lumby, Mara, Okanagan Indian Band,  Spallumcheen, Splatsin and Vernon.

Careers Volunteer Partners Privacy Policy Issue Resolution Services en Français
Government of BC logo

© Copyright - Community Futures North Okanagan | Developed by Tambellini Design Studios
  • Terms and Conditions
Scroll to top
Open toolbar Accessibility Tools

Accessibility Tools

  • Increase TextIncrease Text
  • Decrease TextDecrease Text
  • GrayscaleGrayscale
  • High ContrastHigh Contrast
  • Negative ContrastNegative Contrast
  • Light BackgroundLight Background
  • Links UnderlineLinks Underline
  • Reset Reset