Since 1987
Community Futures Sunshine Coast (CFDC-SC) has been helping entrepreneurs and
small businesses on the Sunshine Coast.
About CFDC-SC
Welcome to CFDC-SC, your local hub for all things business on the Sunshine Coast. We're here to support both new and existing entrepreneurs with a range of valuable services. From personalized business counseling and practical planning assistance to skill-boosting training and financing options, we're committed to helping businesses thrive.
Below you can learn more about the people behind CFDC-SC from our staff to our locally governed Board of Directors. We also have a Loans & Investment Committee comprised of local volunteers who make decisions on loans over $25,000.
To learn more about our partners, please click here.
Meet the Team
Morgan Beall
Executive Director
With over 15 years in the finance sector, Morgan’s primary role within one of Canada’s largest Credit Unions was managing their high-risk, non-conventional microfinance business program. He helped develop Financial Literacy programs for start-up entrepreneurs, worked with diverse community partners like Mosaic, Women’s Enterprise Centre, Small Business BC, and acted as a go-to person for social enterprise. He also had a special dedicated focus on supporting impact based businesses – businesses that strive to build economic development while aiming to meet key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, tackling local and global issues like climate action and food security. Over the past 4 years Morgan has also volunteered his time as a Director on our CFSC Board, as well as on the Rhiza Investment Coop to help build and grow local investments, and volunteers with Gibsons Marine Search and Rescue.
Amy Durkee
Office and Loans Coordinator
Amy Durkee plays a pivotal role as the Office and Loans Coordinator at the Community Futures Development Corporation of the Sunshine Coast (CFDC-SC). With 16 years of administrative and accounting experience, Amy is a cornerstone of our team, dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startup entrepreneurs. Before joining CFDC-SC, Amy served for seven years in Yellowknife with the Government of the Northwest Territories as a Financial Analyst. Her responsibilities included budget monitoring and assisting the public in accessing income-based programs and funding. In her previous role at an accounting firm, Amy provided bookkeeping support and conducted in-house training for clients, primarily individuals and small businesses. Outside of work, Amy enjoys frisbee and paddleboarding on the Sunshine Coast. Her passion for helping entrepreneurs aligns perfectly with CFDC-SC's mission, making her an essential part of our team.
Alex Troll
Community Engagement and Development Consultant
Alex is an experienced Marketing Director and business owner with a demonstrated history of working in the wellness industry. Skilled in Public Relations, Event Management, Experiential Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Digital Marketing, and Brand Awareness. She has a passion for small businesses and building communities!
Puneet Jain
Loan Officer
Transitioning from a successful career in impactful banking, Puneet seamlessly shifted to become a Notary Public in British Columbia. With extensive financial expertise, Puneet provides comprehensive guidance that aligns seamlessly with both legal requirements and financial objectives. Known for a holistic approach to financial services, Puneet is dedicated to facilitating seamless and successful transactions for individuals and businesses. Puneet's focus remains on integrity, precision, and excellence, eagerly contributing to the legal and financial well-being of clients in BC.
Yarrow Drtina
Community Business Advisor
With a deep-rooted passion for empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs, Yarrow brings a decade of experience in business support and development to her role as a Community Business Advisor at Community Futures - Sunshine Coast. Throughout her career, Yarrow has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering local economic growth and community resilience. Most recently, she spent three years working with a local regional economic development and non-profit organization, SCREDO, where she managed the Sunshine Coast “Coast your Vote” People's Choice Awards program, spearheaded the "Keep It Coastal" Buy Local initiative, and led a number of other projects aimed at supporting local businesses.In her current role, Yarrow focuses on providing practical, tailored and impactful advice and support to new and existing entrepreneurs. Her extensive experience in creating and delivering community-focused programs equips her with a deep understanding of local business needs and the ability to drive strategic economic development in our region.
Meet the Board
Lloyd Bernhardt
Board Chair
Lloyd is CFDC-SC's board chair at Community Futures of the Sunshine Coast and boasts a diverse career spanning digital innovation and tangible impact. His journey, from hi-tech entrepreneurship to coffee roasting and sustainability advocacy, reflects a deep commitment to positive change. After adopting their daughter in Guatemala in 1999, Lloyd and his wife Kim launched Ethical Bean Coffee in 2003, roasting exclusively fairtrade certified organic coffee. Ethical Bean became a national and international success, driven by Lloyd's belief that social and environmental responsibility is good business. In 2018, they semi-retired. Lloyd's commitment extends to board roles with Fair Trade Canada, advisory work with McGill University's Institute for International Development, and leadership with the Compassion Fruit Society, a charity supporting children in need of family support in Guatemala. His diverse background underscores his dedication to driving positive change.
Ian Smith
Vice Chair
Ian, a dedicated board member, brings 25+ years of investment banking and corporate advisory experience. He founded Transition Advisory Partners in 2016. His career spans continents, honing buy-side and sell-side skills. From leading B.C.'s M&A practice at an international firm to managing cross-border transactions, Ian gained invaluable experience. His 17 years in Taiwan and Hong Kong saw him assume senior leadership roles in strategy consulting, operations, and corporate finance advisory. Ian's primary goal at Transition Advisory Partners is to empower business owners with cost-effective advice, from capital structure to transitions. He cultivates collaborative relationships with specialists in tax, accounting, legal matters, and family business counseling across Canada.
Vickie Morris
Past Chair
As Past Chair of Community Futures of the Sunshine Coast Vickie adds continuity to the Board’s deliberations and processes. She served as Chair of CFCD – SC from 2016 through June of 2022 and as Chair of Rhiza for three years. Prior to retiring to the Sunshine Coast in 2015 Vickie’s career spanned working as a planner for the City of Vancouver, as Community Developer for Vancouver Coastal Health, and in leadership positions in non-profits. She has received accolades and awards of appreciation from organizations such as MOSAIC, the Immigrant Services Society of BC, and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses for her unwavering support of non-profit groups' real estate needs. Her commitment to empowering communities underscores her dedication to driving positive change. Her experiences across local governments and non-profits honed her skills facilitating collaboration among community groups, funders, planners, design professionals, and developers which she brings to her role at CFDC-SC.
John Sutherland
Treasurer
John Sutherland, CPA, CGA, is an experienced entrepreneur, mentor and corporate director who has funded, launched and managed companies scanning technology, mining, manufacturing and innovative environmental enterprises.
Jacqueline Jennings
Director
Jacqueline Jennings, a board member at Community Futures of the Sunshine Coast, embodies a rich heritage, with roots in Northern Cree, Anishinaabe, Métis, and European settler descent. As an Investor in Residence with Roanhorse Consulting and Director of the Fireweed Fellowship, Jacqueline's commitment to decolonization and indigenization in business and trade is unwavering. With over two decades of experience in the retail and private sectors, Jacqueline possesses a wealth of knowledge in values-led consumer products and services businesses. Her career has revolved around guiding entrepreneurs in creating impactful and purpose-driven ventures as a coach and the mastermind behind three Canadian start-up accelerators. Jacqueline's mission centers on bolstering economic sovereignty, reconciliation, and revitalization by providing decolonized support for Indigenous-led businesses and leadership. She champions the development of strong, visionary leaders, having worked extensively with high-performance entrepreneurs and retail industry leaders for over a decade. Jacqueline's coaching approach emphasizes authentic, purpose-driven brands, and she has consulted with early and mid-stage startup founders since 2012. Her dedication to fostering inclusive, sustainable, and culturally sensitive entrepreneurship drives her work.
Alison Henning
Director
Alison is a facilitative leader, storyteller, and strategist with 20 years of experience in the non-profit and philanthropic sectors. Her deep commitment lies in fostering well-being in nature and communities, championing decolonization, and advancing equity. As part of MakeWay, Alison engages in navigating complexity, and steering partnerships and priorities. Her role involves providing communications counsel to senior leadership, the board, program teams, and community partners. She excels at crafting a clear and compelling narrative, attracting new partnerships, and amplifying stories that center community voices. Internally, she fosters a culture of shared learning and purpose-driven connection while expanding Makeway’s national networks. Alison's leadership approach is marked by collaboration, trust, active listening, empathy, JEDI principles, and empowering team members to embrace their own leadership roles. In addition to her work, she contributes her skills and passion to the board of directors for Community Futures Sunshine Coast, dedicated to advancing social entrepreneurship, social enterprise, and impact investing on the Sunshine Coast of BC.
Erin McGregor
Director
Erin is an accomplished financial and real estate professional who is deeply dedicated to assisting businesses in navigating transformative changes through tailored strategies. Drawing upon her extensive experience as the former Vice President of Commercial Services at Sunshine Coast Credit Union, Erin possesses over 15 years of lending expertise, coupled with an unwavering commitment to innovative problem-solving. Equipped with an MBA in Real Estate and a comprehensive array of courses in disciplines such as change management, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, Erin underscores the critical importance of staying at the forefront of the swiftly evolving business landscape. In her current capacity as a Senior Appraisal Consultant, she conducts comprehensive assessments of commercial properties across the region, harnessing her multifaceted background to provide incisive evaluations. Additionally, Erin serves as a valued consultant to the financial services sector, offering a diverse range of services encompassing risk management, process enhancement, and facilitation.
Kristin Richard
Director
Born and raised in the Métis homeland and Treaty 1 territory, Kristin is a proud member of the Red River Métis Nation. Currently residing on the unceded territory of the Shíshálh Nation. With over 8 years of specialized experience in the financial services industry, Kristin's career centres on supporting Indigenous businesses and communities. Her passion lies in unlocking access to capital and forging innovative pathways for economic growth. Kristin serves as an Impact Fund Manager at EntrpreNorth providing capital to Northern entrepreneurs. Kristin's prior roles have been deeply rooted her in the Indigenous entrepreneurship ecosystem, particularly in helping start-ups flourish. Her unique blend of financial expertise and cultural insight has allowed her to shape meaningful connections and create tangible impact. Currently completing her MBA in Indigenous Business and Leadership at Simon Fraser University, Kristin's educational interests align with her professional dedication. She is also a graduate of the Canadian Private Capital Investment School, a member of the Indigenous leadership Circle.