Community Futures North Central Development

Like many organizations, Community Futures North Central Development (CFNCD) experienced challenges due to COVID-19. The Board of Directors and staff implemented programs to mitigate the impact on communities and entrepreneurs. In addition, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) was very supportive in providing additional financial resources to offset the negative impacts on indigenous entrepreneurs.

CFNCD partnered with NACCA and Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) over the past year to deliver several programs that included the promotion of social enterprises in our northern communities through the Investment Readiness Program (IRP), an Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship Workshop, and 9 Governance Training workshops.

NACCA provided financial assistance through the Emergency Loan Program (ELP) where CFNCD was able to provide up to $60, 000 in additional loan capital with no interest. A total of 15 businesses received $315, 000 through the program in loans and $140,750 in direct non-repayable contributions. Further, seven indigenous businesses received interest relief totaling $14,700 on existing CFNCD regular and Entrepreneur with Disabilities (EDP) loans.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 caused the cancellation of the annual Vision Quest Conference and Trade Show in 2020. A virtual conference will be held in October 2021 with CFNCD board member, Darlene Beck from Cross Lake as honorary chair.