Community Futures Success Stories

At Topsy Farms, Canada’s top sustainable sheep farm on Amherst Island in Lennox and Addington county, certain things are a given.

Chanakan Kalapukdee started Thairific in 2015 in Guelph Ontario, operating as a festival food vendor, caterer and private home Chef. Thairific also ran at festivals as a tent vendor from London to Port Credit, Orangeville to Parry Sound and in Belleville, from 2015 to 2019.

Join us on an inspiring journey with Gyroscopic, a trailblazing company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation. In this exclusive video, we dive into their success story thanks to the Community Futures Program, focusing on their flagship product, Labnetik, a cutting-edge laboratory information management system.

Embark on a journey with Horizon, a pioneering aerospace company that has overcome unique challenges in the industry, such as regulations, certifications, and safety standards. In this compelling video, discover how Horizon partnered with Community Futures to navigate these challenges and unlock opportunities for growth.

Explore how the Community Futures Program became the essential building blocks for Meyers Creek Brewery, enabling them to navigate the practical aspects of running a successful brewery.

Learn how the Community Futures Program provided the essential stepping stones that allowed Wellness Hub to take the leap into their entrepreneurial endeavor.

In 2018, equestrian entrepreneur and amateur dressage rider Mallory Haigh had a vision for a dressage-focused tack shop that was able to specialize in ways the big stores could not. And thus, Piaffe – Dressage Lifestyle, a boutique equestrian equipment and apparel retailer, was born.

"With KLCFDC's support, we hired 3 full-time software engineers, a business excellence expert, and a data specialist, invested in support software solutions, user flow, and HubSpot. We brought in health benefits for our team, and improved recruitment efforts. Our partnership with KLCFDC has been invaluable, and we look forward to continued growth and success."

- Darryl Mitchell, Co-CEO DCM

ARC is a green-tech start-up that transforms and upcycles iconic classic cars into modern and powerful electric vehicles. ARC is dedicated to producing electric vehicles with the latest technology to drive better performance and contribute to a future with net-zero emissions. Headed by CEO Sloane Paul, the first woman in North America to establish such a start-up, ARC is redefining the intersection of tradition, innovation, and environmental consciousness

Leak Proof Plumbing started in 2015 when Adam participated in the Ontario Self Employment Benefit program (delivered through Community Futures) that offered business plan development training, counselling and support to new businesses.

Empty storefronts and boarded up businesses have long been a blight for many rural towns hit by declines in traditional industries and dwindling numbers of young families. Rebuilding and revitalizing Main Streets has been a slow and steady labour in many places, with progress measured in years, as new enterprises take root and people make their way back downtown.

The word pivot has become embedded in the lexicon of most successful entrepreneurs. It means making a decisive turn in direction when faced with temporary or permanent impediments to moving forward towards your goals.