Gibsons Public Market
WHO WE ARE

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Community
Futures
Sunshine
Coast

Community Futures Sunshine Coast inspires and advances an ecosystem of social
entrepreneurship, social enterprise and impact investing on the Sunshine Coast.

Community Futures Sunshine Coast is a federally incorporated non-profit guided by a volunteer Board of Directors and staffed with business professionals. We work with, and support community partners and local businesses located on the lower Sunshine Coast and Bowen Island.

We provide a variety of different support services to people wanting to start, expand, franchise or sell a business in the community.

We also work in partnership with other business lenders, educational institutions, not-for-profits, local governments, shíshálh Nation and Squamish Nation to grow and diversify our local economy. Together we are contributing to an inclusive, diverse, and flourishing Sunshine Coast.

We are grateful to work on the unceded territories of the shíshálh Nation and Squamish Nation.

Governance

We are committed to communicating clearly and transparently with our community stakeholders. If you have any questions about our policies,
please contact us directly

Community Futures is funded in Western Canada by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Francophone Economic Development Organizations (FEDOs) enhance the vitality of minority language communities in Western Canada and assist in their economic development.

These independent entities have their own boards of directors with broad representation from their respective provinces. Board members are knowledgeable about business as well as the challenges facing francophone entrepreneurs. Support from WD enables these regional organizations to provide enhanced services to Francophones including training, business and community economic development, access to capital, information services, marketing advice, networking and mentoring.

For more information contact the FEDO office in your province:
Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (website only available in French)

220-1555 7th Avenue West
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6J 1S1

British Columbia Toll Free: 1 877 732-3534
Phone: (604) 732-3534 (for the Vancouver area)
Fax: (604) 732-3516
E-mail:  info@sdecb.com

We’re proud of the great projects, programs, and social enterprises we support on the Sunshine Coast. Here are three examples of innovative solutions we’ve developed to address local challenges and apply business practices.


Gibsons Public Market

In addition to being a founding partner and investor in the creation and development of the Gibsons Public Market and Nicoles Sontag Marie Education Centre, we are proud to have provided loans to several tenants of the market. Since the opening of the vendor floor at the Market in March 2017, these vendors have proven very popular with locals and visitors alike. The Gibsons Public Market has rapidly become a vibrant community hub. The market is now open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am till 6 pm. www.gibsonspublicmarket.com


Coast Community Investment Co-op

This newly formed Co-op is owned and governed by its members on the Sunshine Coast. Members, who can be individuals, or organizations, join the Co-op by purchasing either 25 Member Shares ($2,500), or 50 Member Shares ($5,000). Members benefits include: attending meetings and special events, running for election to the co-op Board, and modest financial return over time. The Co-op carefully vets all potential investments. Applications for investment will be initially reviewed by the by the Community Futures Sunshine Coast/Rhiza Capital Investment Committee and given final approval by the Board of Directors. In addition to providing financing, the Co-op also offers additional project development support to investees. Since launch in November 2016, the Co-op has already attracted two dozen investors, compiling capital to be invested in local projects with social and economic impacts.

www.rhizacapital.com/#co-op


Agri-Food Business Planning Program

In partnership with the Business Advisory Team and the Small Scale Food Processors Association, we delivered a two-day, 8-module course funded federally through Growing Together 2.

Eight agri-food business operators attended the two-day course, learning various integral components of building a small-scale food processing business. The program is aimed at those who are in the business of farming, food processing or manufacturing or to those who are considering starting up a business in the agri-food industry.

By participating in this workshop, you will become well versed in the business planning process, market access and analysis, product development, financial planning and management, quality assurance, labeling and packaging, production economics and logistics. All participants evaluated the program very highly.

Our LEAP! program teaches local entrepreneurs how to test out their idea for a new business which addresses a social or environmental challenge. This type of business is called a social enterprise (link: What is a social enterprise?). For example, our student Chelsey Allen is a nutritionist living with type one diabetes, and her problem was that she needed to access healthy fresh plant based foods easily on the Sunshine Coast. We helped her refine her idea for a raw juice product, test out her market, and launch Seafoam Organics Juice and Smoothie Company.

Interested in taking the LEAP!? (link: education and events) Want to bring LEAP! to your community? Visit sfuleap.ca

BeEco
BeEco is a fashion awareness blog aimed at promoting eco-fashion. In addition to sharing top eco-friendly fashion brands, She shares advice on how to become an eco-conscious individual and why it is important to be aware of the negative impacts “fast fashion” has on our planet. BeEco’s goal is to take the guesswork out of becoming an eco-conscious fashion consumer. Visit website.

Annette Clark started the Exotic Fruit Nursery in Roberts Creek to offer uncommon fruit trees and bushes that will grow and thrive in the West Coast climate. Her exotic fruit tree nursery sells rare hardy plants, such as Sweet Fuyu Persimmons or the hardy ‘Flying Dragon’ citrus tree. Exotic Fruit Nursery also features an uncommon orchard where they plant, grow and test all the trees and plants they sell. Annette’s nursery is organic, and they even make their own organic top soil!

SHARE-THERE
Share-There provides convenient free ride sharing on the Sunshine Coast. They also support community events, small transportation providers and local businesses by providing on-line ticket sales and services. It was started by Michelle Morton and her husband Sean. Visit website.

HAND-HARVESTED SEA SALT
Hand-harvested from the rugged inlets of British Columbia’s coastline,Sunshine Coast Sea Salts come in a variety of textures, including its limited quantity fleur de sel and Sel Gris. Sunshine Coast Salt Company’s authentic BC harvested Sea Salts are crystalline white with a clean finish. Tracee Lang started the Sunshine Coast Salt Company in 2016 because she wanted to start crafting locally made sea-salt. She fell in love with the beautiful ocean made crystals, and never looked back. Visit website.

WHO WE ARE

Meet Our 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.

morgan.beall@communityfutures.org
604-803-2372

WHO WE ARE

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Meet Our Board

We are fortunate to be guided by a volunteer Board of Directors. Their decades of community and business experience on the Sunshine Coast are invaluable in guiding progressive community economic development on the Sunshine Coast.

Lloyd Bernhardt, Chair

Lloyd’s career spans the breadth of the digital and the tangible, transitioning from hi-tech entrepreneur to coffee roaster and sustainability champion.

After he and his wife Kim journeyed to Guatemala to adopt their daughter in 1999, a passion for the culture of the country and a desire to better the lives of coffee farmers was ignited. The couple returned to Vancouver and in 2003 launched Ethical Bean Coffee, roasting only fairtrade certified organic coffee. Ethical Bean grew from a local, to a national, to an international success on the belief that social and environmental responsibility is also good business. In September of 2018 Ethical Bean was sold and Kim and Lloyd semi-retired. Kim grew up in Roberts Creek and in 2008 the entire family moved back to the creek to raise their two children.

Lloyd was board member of Fair Trade Canada, an advisory board member of the McGill University’s Institute for International Development and an board member on the Compassion Fruit Society, a registered Canadian charity that has built a sustainable village for abandoned children near Tecpan, Guatemala.

Vickie Morris, Past Chair

Vickie Morris moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2014 after years of yearning to be here. Now retired, her career focused on community development, urban planning, and social purpose real estate in and for the City of Vancouver.

She was a founding member of the Social Purpose Real Estate collaborative and co-chair of the Sponsorship Committee for the sold-out 2015 Building Opportunities Conference. She has been honoured for her support of non-profit groups’ real estate needs with awards of appreciation from MOSAIC, Immigrant Services Society of BC, and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses.

John Sutherland,
Board Treasurer

John Sutherland moved to the Sunshine Coast full-time in September 2016 and after being a “weekender” to their get-away that they built eight years ago. John is a CPA, CGA and has a diploma in Industrial Engineering who has a strong desire to give back to the community and assist organizations and enterprises.

John has been a board member and officer of not-for-profit societies and numerous corporations in a variety of industries. Currently, he is the Treasurer of the Sechelt Hospital Foundation, President of the Stanley Theatre Society, Treasurer of the Arts Club Foundation and served previously on the board of A-Step-Ahead Foundation, an anti-racism society and the Arts Club board for sixteen years.

In the corporate world, John has been a CFO, CEO and corporate director of diverse businesses from sugar refining, mining, major construction project management, venture capital, technology, marketing, benefit administration, bus manufacturing, airline and environmental sustainability with emphasis on fund-raising, structure, governance and human relations. Many of these enterprises were emerging companies. He continues to consult on the Coast and in Vancouver.

Utilizing his experience and life lessons learned, his foremost satisfaction driver is affecting people to identify and achieve their aspirations with focus, resiliency and determination.

Jacqueline Jennings,
Board Director

Photo and bio coming soon.

Jason Jenkins,
Board member

Photo and bio coming soon.

Alison Henning,
Board Director

Photo and bio coming soon.

Roxanne Hoffman,
Board member

Photo and bio coming soon.

Loans & Investment Committee

Our Loan & Investment committee is tasked with adjudicating loans
and investments on behalf of Community Futures Sunshine Coast and of the Sunshine Coast Community Investment Co-op.

Roxanne Hoffman, Chair
Lloyd Bernhardt
Marilyn Pederson
Synnove Godeseth
Michelle Peterson

Andy Hopkinson
Jason Jenkins
Krista Wollen

WHO WE ARE

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Community Partners

We’re fortunate to work closely with a range of organizations across BC to support the development of an inclusive, vibrant, coastal economy and community.

Sunshine Coast Credit Union

The Sunshine Coast Credit Union is a a key partner and ally with us to launch new initiatives, expand business opportunities, and promote local investing. We have partnered closely with Sunshine Coast Credit Union in the creation of Rhiza Capital INC., the Gibsons Public Market, LEAP! and appreciate their financial and participation in events we hold on the Sunshine Coast. Visit the website.

Self-Employed Women’s Network

Are you a woman interested in business development and networking on the Sunshine Coast? This is the place to belong! We frequently refer woman entrepreneurs here for mentorship, support, and local resources. Visit website

Sechelt Chamber of Commerce

We are proud to be a member organization and work alongside the Sechelt Chamber of Commerce to support local businesses in achieving success on the Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast Community Foundation

The Sunshine Coast Community Foundation facilitates philanthropic giving by connecting donors to community projects.We created the Barrie Wilbee endowment in honour of our long-time volunteer and Community Futures Champion with the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation in 2016. Learn more about Barrie Wilbee here (link to “Bursary for Sunshine Coast Entrepreneurs  section) It is designed to financially support learning and educational opportunities for local entrepreneurs. To learn more or donate to this endowment visit the website.

Simon Fraser University

Community Futures is proud to work with the Community Economic Development Program at Simon Fraser University to deliver customized programming to Sunshine Coast social entrepreneurs. More information can be found on the LEAP! website. Please see our Events page for our next LEAP! program. SFU also offer the Certificate Program for Community Economic Development which builds networks and tools  for a strong local economy and self-reliant community.

Open Doors Group

We are proud to support and refer local residents to the Self Employment Program offered in partnership by Open Door Group and the YMCA of Greater Vancouver. This hands-on program helps aspiring business owners turn their business ideas into reality. Participants learn to build a successful business through intensive training, financial support as well as professional networks and connections.

Innovation Island

SCREDO was incorporated in 2016 to preform economic development activities on behalf of various governmental agencies on the Sunshine Coast. We partner with SCREDO to develop the expand, attract, and retain businesses on the Sunshine Coast, through education and engagement.

Innovation Island

We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Innovation Island and our Sunshine Coast Tech Hub to offer a series of in person workshops in Sechelt through 2017 and early 2018. Together, we will be supporting tech-based entrepreneurs at all stages of their lifecycle, and helping them to reach their mission, goals and steps to prosperity.

Thank you to the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Organization for the financial support required to customize these workshops and offer them close to home.

To be invited to Community Futures’ upcoming Innovation Island workshops here on the Sunshine Coast, check out our Events page or click here.

The Barrie Wilbee Bursary for Sunshine Coast Entrepreneurs

Community Futures Sunshine Coast, in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation, has created an endowment to honour long-time community and business leader Barrie Wilbee.

Funds accrued within the endowment will be awarded annually to Sunshine Coast residents who require funding to further their education and knowledge in community economic development, entrepreneurship and business skills.

The Barrie Wilbee Bursary for Sunshine Coast Entrepreneurs was seeded through a contribution from Community Futures Sunshine Coast, and matched by the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation. The endowment is set up to receive additional donations.

Barrie has been with Community Futures Sunshine Coast as a volunteer since the organization started here in 1987 and served as board chair for four years. He is currently co-chair of the Investments and Loans Committee. He has been on the board of the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation since 2008, and is a strong believer in the benefits of organizations building sustainable long-term funding through the foundation model. Over the past 35 years, Wilbee has also held volunteer leadership roles with the Sunshine Coast Economic Development Commission, Sunshine Coast Employment Development Society, and the Area A Advisory Planning Committee. Barrie and his wife Beverly are long-time residents of Pender Harbour.

Barrie is a tireless advocate for economic development, and generously shares his time, expertise and wisdom with individuals and organizations committed to ensuring a healthy and sustainable Sunshine Coast.

Janice Iverson, executive director of Community Futures Sunshine Coast

“He is a master collaborator and community connector. We are proud to partner with Barrie and his family in identifying and selecting bursary recipients through this endowment for many years to come.”

“With its close proximity to the Lower Mainland, the Coast is an attractive location for entrepreneurs including artisans, social enterprise and small business,” Shelley McDade, chair of the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation, said. “Over the years, Barrie’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment for this demographic has contributed to the economic health of our community. The Barrie Wilbee Bursary for Sunshine Coast Entrepreneurs endowment is important because it provides a way for anyone in the community to support the success of local entrepreneurs here on the Sunshine Coast.”

For more information on how to apply to the bursary or donate please visit the SCC Foundation website

WHO WE ARE

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Inspirational Stories

Find out more about where Community Futures is making an impact on the Sunshine Coast.

Find out more