News

From November 3–5, Executive Directors and General Managers from across Southern Ontario’s Community Futures networks came together at the first-ever Future Forward: Community Futures Leadership Summit — a three-day working session dedicated to collaboration, strategy, and the future of the Community Futures Program.

Hosted jointly by Community Futures Eastern Ontario and Community Futures Western Ontario, the summit brought together the people leading program delivery across rural Southern Ontario — those on the front lines of supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and communities.

Over three days, participants engaged in strategic discussions, innovation workshops, and candid conversations about challenges, opportunities, and the evolving landscape of rural economic development. The result was an energizing exchange of ideas designed to build alignment, strengthen collaboration, and chart what’s next for the Community Futures network.

The summit began with an evening welcome reception — a chance for participants to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new colleagues from across Southern Ontario. With a shared camaraderie over the rainy drive and the colder weather, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the room — a feeling that this long-awaited gathering had finally arrived. The relaxed atmosphere at the resort sets the perfect tone for the days ahead, encouraging open conversation, laughter, and a renewed sense of shared purpose.

This first evening wasn’t just about introductions; it was about building relationships, sparking curiosity, and laying out the groundwork for the strategic conversations that would follow throughout the days to come.

The summit’s theme, “Future Forward,” reflected its core purpose: to pause, reflect, and reimagine how the network can evolve to meet the changing needs of entrepreneurs and communities across Southern Ontario.

Through a series of strategic visioning exercises, participants explored key questions such as:

• What does success look like for the Community Futures program several years from now?
• How can we better support diverse client segments, from youth to established business owners?
• What partnerships, technologies, and shared tools will help us achieve greater impact?

The conversations were dynamic and forward-thinking, emphasizing collaboration across offices, stronger regional alignment, and a unified voice for advocacy and innovation. Mind maps and group discussions revealed clear themes: the importance of cross-regional partnerships, modernization through technology, unified messaging, and exploring diversified funding models for long-term sustainability.

Building on that foundation, the Key Challenges & Opportunities sessions invited participants to tackle pressing issues shaping the future of the program, from recruitment and retention to base operating needs, technology adoption, and program evolution. Attendees shared practical insights into shared services, AI integration, and succession planning, with an emphasis on collaboration and learning across CFDCs.

Afternoon breakout sessions encouraged candid dialogue around topics critical to the program’s future. Discussions centered on how shared tools, consistent storytelling, and a collective approach can increase visibility, efficiency, and impact — ensuring the Community Futures brand remains strong, trusted, and relevant.

Echoing throughout the network was a shared recognition of Community Futures’ powerful value proposition — as trusted, local delivery agents of federal and community funds. This value is reflected in partnerships like that of BDC and Community Futures, underscoring the program’s credibility and vital role in driving regional economic growth.

There was also a strong call to celebrate, promote, and acknowledge the lasting legacy of partnerships built at every level — federal, provincial, regional, and local. Not only the organizational partnerships, but also the meaningful relationships formed with every entrepreneur and business that places its trust in the Community Futures brand.

One of the summit’s sessions spotlighted the growing partnership between Community Futures Ontario and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) — a collaboration that embodies the direction and shared vision discussed throughout the event.

Representatives from both organizations shared insights into how this collaboration aims to expand access to capital for the CFDCs, strengthen support for entrepreneurs, and create new opportunities for BDC to invest in the rural small businesses that Community Futures supports.

Through open discussion and Q&A, participants explored how this partnership could enhance the tools and resources available to CFDCs, allowing local offices to better serve their clients while maintaining the community-driven approach that defines the program.

Beyond strategy and planning, Future Forward was also a celebration of the people who make the Community Futures network so unique. Attendees were recognized for their contributions through lighthearted peer awards, honouring everything from “The Brainstorm Cloud” to “Networking Ninja.” These moments of connection reflected the collaborative spirit that defines Community Futures: professionals from diverse regions, roles, and experiences coming together with a shared purpose to strengthen communities through entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Future Forward Leadership Summit marked an important milestone for Community Futures in Southern Ontario, the beginning of a shared journey toward greater alignment, modernization, and collective impact. The ideas, insights, and partnerships sparked at the summit will continue to shape how we deliver the CF program in the years to come, guiding the network toward a more unified, innovative, and resilient future.