The future of business is bright in the region and Community Futures Highwood wants to help.

Community Futures represents over 20 different communities and districts including the M.D. of Foothills and Willow Creek in helping those either start, maintain or expand their business.

General Manager John Lockhart says with over 145 million dollars of financial support given since 1993, Community Futures offers something for every entrepreneur.

"With the economy the way it is, we're working with a lot businesses in the area, both to help them maintain their present position in market, but also a lot of new business venture start-ups."

During their AGM/Golf Tournament over the weekend it was reported that the average loan that Community Futures gave out was over 61 thousand dollars, and while the money is one thing, the community futures team has been able to give free guidance to those that apply for the loans and Lockhart says that's what puts them apart from other organizations.

"Business owner gets free services from us," he says. "That's why traditional banks like about us, they can send their client to us, and the client is going to get free business development services and that's how we go about things."

Lockhart says they aren't in competition or trying to pull business away from banks with their loans, but with their support funding help from the federal government they can help those that may not have the bank to support them.

 "Its been demonstrated that Community Future loan clients consistently create higher sales, they stay business a lot longer and they higher more people," he says. "Their growth rate in terms of employees is much higher than non-assisted businesses."

For more information on a Community Futures loan or business consulting visit their website here.

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