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Consulting

Get quality 1-on-1 advice from rural business consultants who have your best interest in mind

Consulting

Get connected to experts in marketing, strategy, recruitment, insurance, legal, succession, finances, leadership,
human resources, and more. Priority is given to disaster-impacted businesses.

 
BFL Canada
Rogan Anderson
BFL CANADA is a founding Partner of Lockton Global LLP, a Partnership of independent insurance brokers who provide Risk Management, Insurance and Benefits Consulting Services in countries around the world.

Thanks to our consistent ability to perform, our high quality personnel, and our unique entrepreneurial culture BFL CANADA can provide you with Brokerage, Risk Management, and Consulting Services that meet your highest expectations.
Mira Boucher
Marketing, Digital Strategy, Experience with Fundraising for Non-Profit & Charities
Mira is a marketing and non-profit fundraising expert as well as an entrepreneur with extensive experience building customer journeys through in person, digital and print mediums. Mira has founded several companies, including Carl’s Wine Club, a fast-growing community of over 10,000 members that directly support Canadian wineries. She has also spent nearly 15 years as a professional fundraiser for educational institutions, has served as a board member on over 13 boards and committees, and is a master facilitator and executive coach.

These experiences included directly managing the customer journeys of up to 45,000 constituents at one time through online, phone and mail appeals. In addition, she has built robust moves management programs that led to seven and eight figure gifts as well as cause marketing and enterprising non profit program growth.

For wineries, Mira is able to assist with direct to consumer strategy, from email marketing to online sales, from wine club set up to conversion optimization. With deep knowledge of industry trends, benchmarks and tools, Mira is available to help you create strategy and blueprints for your winery or similar operation’s success, or troubleshoot - whether it’s from a technical or big picture level.

For non-profits and charities, Mira blends her extensive experience in the sector with her entrepreneurial experience to provide assistance in both digital strategy and sustainable fund development growth best practices.
C & C Consulting
Tayla Collings
Website, Marketing, Branding & Social Media
Tayla Collings is the accomplished owner and driving force behind a highly successful marketing firm. With a strong passion for creativity, Tayla's expertise lies in crafting innovative marketing strategies that elevate businesses to new heights.

As a seasoned marketer, Tayla specializes in comprehensive marketing campaigns. Her meticulous attention to detail and keen eye for aesthetic appeal allow her to create captivating content that resonates with target audiences.

However, it is in the realm of organic marketing where Tayla truly shines. With an intuitive understanding of consumer behavior, she continually develops original and captivating content that engages and captivates audiences. By harnessing the power of storytelling, Tayla helps businesses build meaningful connections with their customers, resulting in increased brand loyalty and higher conversion rates.

Driven by a results-oriented mindset, Tayla's approach to marketing prioritizes measurable outcomes and a strong return on investment. She consistently stays abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies, allowing her to incorporate the latest advancements into her clients' campaigns for maximum impact.

With a proven track record of success and a reputation for delivering outstanding results, Tayla Collings is a trusted partner for businesses seeking to take their marketing strategies to the next level.
Bizzybody Enterprises Inc.
Jocelyn Eisert
Employment Readiness, Entrepreneurial Coaching, Event Management, HR, Grant Writing, Indigenous Relations
Jocelyn Eisert, CEO of Bizzybody Enterprises provides education
preparedness, employment readiness, entrepreneurial coaching and event
management services since February 2008 for corporate and community
gatherings. She is the youngest of 17 children, orphaned at 17 – never a
quitter and has the heart of a true entrepreneur.

Based in Fort St. John, BC, Jocelyn has worked with presenters and speakers
such as Theo Fleury, Adam Bach and Trevor Lindon to name a few and has
made impacts in dozens of communities to hundreds of individuals. For
Jocelyn it is not who SHE meets, it is who SHE brings to the event and IMPACTS
THAT ARE MADE IN COMMUNITIES that have positive results.

Mrs. Eisert graduated from high school with honors in 1991 and completed
her nursing assistant at Red River Community College. Realizing quickly that
the medical field was not for her, she graduated from Herzing Career College
in 1995 with a certificate in Business Administration. Since then, Jocelyn has
completed Project Management Level 1 and 2 at College of New Caledonia in
Prince George in 2011, Adult Educator through Canadian College of Educators
in 2021 and numerous workshops and seminars across the Country over the
past three decades.

Dedicated to the work she does, Jocelyn has designed a variety of programs
and workshops to support learning and opportunities for growth and
professional development. She has come to love facilitation and seeing each
individual full of energy with their light bulbs bright, truly makes Jocelyn’s
heart sing. When she grows up – she wants to be a comedian – making people
smile and healing our nation through laughter is only one dream away!
All Balanced Bookkeeping
Danielle Gibson
Danielle has been a bookkeeper for over 30 years. She has done this in various types of business. In 2022, with the help of a Community Futures program, she opened All Balanced Bookkeeping.

She enjoys working with other entrepreneurs to guide them through their bookkeeping setup. Seeing people succeed and grow in their own business gives her immense satisfaction.
Owl Business Consulting
Darrell Goertzen
Business Plans, Business Startup, Succession, Selling, Buying, HR
After 25 years in a business career as an entrepreneur, business owner, and corporate manager, Darrell joined the Venture Connect team in 2012. Since then he has worked with hundreds of business owners throughout BC, helping them prepare their business for a sale.

As a Business Advisor he provides guidance, market understanding, peace of mind and better outcomes to business sellers and buyers. In addition to his work with Venture Connect Darrell is the Business Advisor for the BC Business Match.
El Camino Immigration Services
Fernanda Gonzalez
Immigration Services
Fernanda Gonzalez started her firm, El Camino Immigration Services, in 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies from the University of Monterrey (UDEM), a Master’s Degree in International Commerce from the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon (UANL), and an International Finance Diploma from the Technological Institute of Higher Studies of Monterrey (ITESM) in Mexico.

Before her Canadian immigration consultant career, Fernanda was a thriving international private banking professional. She held the position of Regional International Treasury Manager for North-eastern Mexico at BBVA Bancomer, a leading Mexican financial institution, and was later a broker in its Private Banking division. Over time, Fernanda became a licensed financial consultant and broker and practiced for over 15 years. During that time, she represented Mutual of New York in Mexico's Northeast and Central regions. She also developed new markets for services and goods representing the following companies: MONY, Graphicolor Digital, Medica Insurgentes Hospital, and Italika, from the Grupo Salinas.

At the beginning of 2016, Fernanda immigrated to Canada, where she studied Immigration Law, Policies and Procedures at the University of British Columbia. In 2017, she began her immigration training under the mentorship of Kjeld M. Hansen, a regulated immigration consultant head of Evolve Immigration, with more than 20 years of experience. Currently, they work together as associates. In the Summer of 2018, Fernanda received her Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) Licence. Since then, she has completed an average of 120 hours annually of professional development in the field. Besides, in 2021, she obtained the Business Immigration Certificate from Ashton College, BC. Fernanda has maintained her licence and good standing as an RCIC from the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants of Canada.

So far, El Camino Immigration Services has more than 400 clients with an approval case rate of 97.50 % and has obtained the Canadian Business Review Board and Three Best Business Awards for three consecutive years.
(For more info, visit https://elcaminocanada.com/)
Catalyst Strategies
James Grieve
Strategy, Customer Experience and Sustainability
James Grieve is a Certified Management Consultant and is currently the Institute President of Certified Management Consultants of British Columbia (CMC-BC). He is passionate about strategy and has a keen understanding of working with organizations of all sizes, in a variety of industries, including clean-technology, bioenergy, renewable energy, natural resources management, agriculture, manufacturing, and professional services. He has extensive experience in working with First Nations communities on economic development and empowerment initiatives in a variety of geographical regions and business models, including co-operatives.

His Kelowna-based boutique consulting firm Catalyst Strategies Consulting specializes in strategy, customer experience, and organizational transformation, and together with his team of consultants, he works with clients to analyze their operations, diagnose challenges, uncover blind spots, and mitigate risks in their businesses. Providing trusted advice, Catalyst Strategies Consulting helps clients plan effectively, create processes to reach peak performance, and reach sustainable profitability, while enhancing their customer experiences.

James resides in Kelowna and loves all that the Okanagan has to offer. He gives back to his community by mentoring business students and entrepreneurs at Community Futures BC, UBCO, Okanagan College, Women’s Enterprise Centre, Futurpreneur Canada, and Salmon Arm Economic Development Society.
Thrive
Anna Harrison
Business and Leadership Development, Strategic Planning, Sales and Marketing Strategies, and Team Building
Anna Harrison is a successful entrepreneur with a strong background in business and leadership.

For 32 years Anna owned and operated Genesis Holding Co. Ltd, a multi faceted business including a retail and service boutique. After selling her business, Anna transitioned to working with business owners and individuals to partner with them to achieve greater success in their businesses and personal lives.

As a member of the Professional Business Coaches Association (PBCA) and founding member of the Global Alliance for Professional Leadership Development (GAPLD).

Anna is a Certified Professional Business Coach, Leadership Development Coach and Extended DISC partner.

She partners with business owners, leaders, and non profit organizations to help them recognize and achieve their potential by seeing the possibilities, setting goals, and executing their game plan. With a focus on business and leadership development, strategic planning, implementation, sales and marketing strategies, and team building
Ledger Craftsman
Zille Huma
Bookkeeping, Accounting, Tax
Zille operates an accounting practice in Chilliwack, BC, she has years of financial management experience in the public accounting and manufacturing industries and also on track to completing her Certified Professional Accountant designation. And as a small business owner, she is committed to support the success of other entrepreneurs and help them grow.
Klassen Marketing Co
Lorri Klassen
Target Audience & Social Media Marketing
Specializes in assisting business owners understand their target audience and the purpose of Social Media Marketing and that by taking just a few steps, customers can be attracted to your business.

Klassen Marketing Co. was founded in January 2011 when my dabbling in social media became a full-fledged passion and full-time occupation. We have been serving North American based businesses with digital marketing solutions since that time. We are a professional, hands-on, social media marketing agency which has been managing content marketing and social advertising campaigns for everything from emerging brands to well-established multi-million dollar businesses.
AFK Consulting
Andre Kuerbis
Bookkeeping, Accounting, Business Plans, Grants
Andre is passionate about small businesses and entrepreneurship and has a strong background in hospitality. His clients appreciate his focus on details, his ability to adapt to the client's individual situation, and his local knowledge.

After working in the banking sector for 15 years, leaving the industry as a district manager, Andre became an entrepreneur himself in 2010. He understands the challenges and opportunities that come with running a business and he loves to work with his clients through them.

In addition to his designation as a certified Professional Business Coach with PBCA Canada, he is an accredited member of the Guild of Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Accountants and a Certified Professional Bookkeeper with CPB Canada.
Sunlaunch Consulting Inc.
Nataliya Lawrence
Business Development, Growth, Marketing, Social Media & Branding
Nataliya is an experienced business consultant with a primary focus on driving business development and growth strategies. With expertise in diverse areas, including marketing, social media management, branding, and storytelling, she serves as a valuable partner for both entrepreneurs embarking on new ventures and established businesses seeking growth and innovation.

Nataliya's approach is marked by her ability to identify and address business obstacles effectively. She excels in recognizing gaps and opportunities within a business framework, and her strength lies in creating straightforward and actionable strategies to pave a clear path toward achieving business objectives. Whether you're at the initial stage of launching a business and grappling with marketing challenges or in need of a strategic pivot, Nataliya is the guiding force to help you navigate these transitions.

One of Nataliya's core strengths is her talent for crafting a clear and consistent brand message that resonates with your ideal clientele. She has a keen understanding of how to communicate effectively, articulating what your business can do for your customers. By leveraging this expertise, Nataliya helps you establish a compelling brand identity that not only captures the essence of your business but also conveys its value to your target audience.

Nataliya's services extend to conducting comprehensive business audits, encompassing areas such as social media, website optimization, email marketing, and customer loyalty programs. She works collaboratively with her clients at every step of the journey, ensuring that their business goals are not only met but exceeded. With Nataliya's expertise and dedication, businesses of all stages can expect a brighter and more prosperous future.
a Cue Creative Marketing and Consulting
Kaare Long
Marketing, Social Media, Strategies & Content/Communications
Kaare is an established and experienced entrepreneur, writer, performing artist and mom of two adult daughters with a strong focus on community engagement, leadership, and a wildly passionate commitment to small or start-up businesses founded by real people with big dreams.

In the last 22 years, Kaare has owned and operated her business, a Cue Creative Marketing and Consulting Inc. Beginning as a humble Arts Administration freelancer working with many of the most accomplished arts organizations in B.C., and growing over the years into leading a highly skilled Marketing and Revenue growth team working with many influential and innovative entrepreneurial-minded leaders, CEO's and successfully established businesses.

Providing essential business growth consulting services, Kaare also offers marketing direction, social media, credibility building and content/communications consulting to provide a thorough and structured foundation for strong business growth to alleviate the confusion of the many decisions required. Business owners will know what to prioritize, where to invest and what strategy to follow that makes the most sense for their business goals.

Small or rural business owners looking for strategic solutions to business growth challenges to increase profits, add value, resolve issues, and get practical guidance to realize their vision and goals can find complete, nurturing support working with Kaare. She will provide you with the expertise, experience, tools, strategy, skill, creativity, and humour required to travel the entrepreneurial journey joyfully. You may even get a jar of fresh honey from her new rural homestead in the Northern Thompson Area.
Estelle HR Solutions
Veronica Lyver
Human Resources & Hospitality
Veronica brings years of in-depth senior human resources management experience to her work with Estelle HR Solutions Inc.. A seasoned human resource professional with a broad range of expertise, Veronica’s background includes more than two decades in the hospitality industry. Over the years, she has worked with respected brands such as Canadian Pacific Hotels, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotel & Resorts, and Delaware North Companies. During her years as a Consultant, Veronica has worked with organizations across all sectors and is familiar with the unique characteristics and dynamics of various work environments including organizational structures which are governed in many ways including a board of directors, a matrix structure, family-owned, corporate, associations, and workplaces that have a mix of union vs. non-union employee groups. Many of her clients are in the not-for-profit sector and with a variety of organizations, leaders, and communities that champion work in Community Services, Social Housing, Gender-Based Violence, Immigrant Services Organizations, and Indigenous groups helping them develop and implement strategies to address their multifaceted human resources needs.

Skilled in all aspects of HR management, including learning and development, Veronica is particularly adept at helping clients navigate complex issues. As part of her work, she facilitates interactions and liaises with the various parties to develop agreements that address key needs and priorities. Her belief in creating mutually beneficial solutions, and her commitment to building respectful, non-adversarial relationships have proven highly successful. Veronica is also well-versed in occupational health and safety issues and has led several initiatives related to developing and introducing health and safety programs and other areas focused on improving workplace health and safety.

Veronica holds a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation from the CPHR Association of British Columbia & Yukon, as well as a Human Resources Management Certificate from the University of Alberta. A tireless learner, she is most recently completed a Master Mindfulness Practitioner certificate, Three Principals Practitioner certification and Flow Certified Coaching Designation, honing skills that will allow her to offer clients enhanced insights to help them better navigate business development. As the Owner & Senior HR Consultant at Estelle Solutions Inc., Veronica works closely with small business owners and operators throughout the country. She is comfortable leading projects or assisting in-house HR specialists as needed.

Originally from St. John's, Newfoundland, Veronica has spent much of her HR career in Western Canada and is passionate about giving back to the places she calls home. An ardent animal lover, she was a long-time volunteer with the Edmonton Humane Society’s Pets in the Park Annual Fundraiser and has lent her time to both Habitats for Humanity and the United Way. She is also a proud member of the Rotary Club of Chilliwack.
SEA45 Compliance, Consult & Creative
Serena Neumerschitsky
AI-Enhanced Solutions for the Digital Economy: SEO, Social Media, Analytics, Websites, Business Plans, and More
Serena Neumerschitsky is Owner and Principal Consultant of SEA45 Compliance, Consult & Creative, a Canadian Digital Marketing & Management Firm that coaches small businesses, not for profits, government projects, and educational institutes how to streamline their business identity in the digital economy beyond traditional consulting by utilizing the power of Generative AI (GAI) to help our clients navigate, optimize, and streamline their business identities– and Co-Founder and President of North Island Cannabis, Vancouver Island’s first licensed cannabis retailer.

As a lover of all things design and mentoring Serena has a degree in Fashion, Design and Technology, from The Wilson School of Design, and has shared that knowledge building and teaching Design and Technology programs at The Wilson School of Design, LaSalle College Vancouver, Okanagan College, and North Island College.

Before devoting herself to education and entrepreneurism full time, Serena spent a decade in apparel working with brands such as MEC, Cannondale, Sugoi, Sport Chek, Atmosphere, Canadian Tire, Mark’s, Diadora, McKinley, Firefly, Huntshield, Woods, Outbound, Bootlegger, David Suzuki, Vancouver Canucks and many more.
Finnquist Consulting Inc.
Georgia Nord
Recruitment, Hiring, Training
An authentic, collaborative, solution-finder with 20+ years of experience with local, national, and global teams in talent acquisition, recruitment operations, and training and development.

With a passion for people, Georgia has had the opportunity to progress through her career at a variety of organizations within recruitment from Agency to Executive Search.

Georgia had the unique opportunity to build a start-up in an emerging industry while supporting their clients, also starts-ups, who were operating within strict talent requirements. She also spent time in corporate recruitment in a global consulting firm, and a global venture capital firm focused on start-up and scale-up recruitment businesses. Collaborating with entrepreneurs starting or scaling their businesses has become a focus of Georgia’s work.

Using an honest and direct approach, Georgia has successfully partnered with business leaders to determine and execute their talent acquisition strategy along with implementing operational processes to best achieve a positive candidate and employee experience.

People are critical to the foundation of your organization’s success. Georgia has the knowledge and ability to help you find and retain them.
Stream Law Group
Brent Parker
Brent is a lawyer with extensive experience in privacy law and with small and mid-sized organizations, predominantly in the health sector.

Keep Brent in mind if you need a lawyer to support your business. He regularly supports privacy & information security matters including providing training on legal obligations in this area and supporting information or data breaches. He can also advise on general business law matters, such as the development of policies and best practices and dealing with issues or disputes with employees, service providers, or others. He may be able to support you in your disputes, negotiations, or contracts. He may be able to advise on healthcare client issues involving their regulator(s). To learn more about the services he provides, you may view his website at: https://www.streamlawgroup.com/services Brent is unable to support leasing, real estate or corporate law matters through Taking Care of Business.

Brent holds a law degree from the University of British Columbia and is licensed to practice law in BC. He also has Masters in Public Health and post-graduate training in data and analytics. His experience as a lawyer is complemented by over twelve years of experience in project and risk management, mainly in the health sector.

He is actively involved in his community and has experience serving on the Interior Health’s Research Ethics Board, and Hospital Ethics Committees and mentoring university students on activities related to innovation and improvement in healthcare.
BFL Canada
Crystal Piggott
BFL CANADA is a founding Partner of Lockton Global LLP, a Partnership of independent insurance brokers who provide Risk Management, Insurance and Benefits Consulting Services in countries around the world.

Thanks to our consistent ability to perform, our high quality personnel, and our unique entrepreneurial culture BFL CANADA can provide you with Brokerage, Risk Management, and Consulting Services that meet your highest expectations.
Steiner & Ruks Enterprises Co.
Alison Ruks
Marketing, Sales and Human Resources
Alison Ruks is an experienced entrepreneur and executive leader with 15+ years of multi-divisional experience in various industries, including consumer goods, food and beverage, natural health, cannabis, agriculture, and education. Her brands and opinion pieces have been featured in Forbes, Medium, Authority Magazine, MSN, Motherly, and SheKnows. She has a track record of successfully marketing multiple brands, achieving sales and fundraising results in the multi-millions.

Alison currently oversees a company she founded in the home and family goods category and provides mentoring, education, and growth consulting services for entrepreneurs. With subject matter expertise in marketing, sales, investor relations, fundraising, operations, and human resources, she helps her clients define, plan and achieve their goals through strategic planning, goal setting, and project management.

Alison's career started with studying natural medicine, then pivoted into obtaining a business degree with honours from the University of British Columbia. Shortly afterward, she obtained a Chartered Human Resources Professional designation. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs succeed, empowering them to create profitable, positive, healthy, and productive workplaces.
Aviara Holdings Ltd.
Chelsea Sang
Growth, Pivoting, E-Commerce, Human Resources, Succession Planning
Chelsea has a diverse background in business operations and entrepreneurship. She began her career at one of the largest national law firms, where she specialized in marketing and business development.

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to take over her family business in seafood. Managing all aspects of the business from operations and human resources to e-commerce and succession planning in their retail, wholesale and export markets.

Chelsea is passionate about supporting and empowering other entrepreneurs. She now plays a key role in leading the Export Navigator program and sits on various non-profit boards. Committed to creating an impact in the community, she leverages her experience and resources to foster the success of others.
Singleton Consulting
John Singleton
Business Coaching & Strategic Planning
John is a Certified Executive Coach and through his coaching, allows others to discover what they have inside, to believe in themselves, and then act upon what they know and discover.
It is the discomfort of learning about ourselves that is not treasured and Executive Coaches are a tried and tested tool that gives comfort and understanding on this journey.

This journey will activate clients to broaden their self-awareness, create a desire to learn more and be more and enhance all facets of their life.
The journey will be made up of a series of conversations that contain observations, queries and proposals from the coach to motivate and educate the client about concerns and issues they may not see at present.
In order to change our lives we must be willing to change our habits.

As a coach;
“I am committed to working with people to find their path and acting as a support for that journey.
I am the pencil in their hands that drafts the plans and offer suggestions and guidance where requested.
A coach is a person who is ‘The Pencil’ in your hand helping you draft the plans you choose the path, the methodology, and the activities that will bring you closer to your objectives.
Together we will find a methodology that stretches you to find what is within and together we will use that information to move forward in your search.

My role is to facilitate, dreaming, visioning, growth and learning.
I will be your sounding board and as you move ‘The Pencil’ as you wish to, you will draft your vision and the best plans for you to succeed.

I believe that the success of coaching and the relationship it builds in not in solving a problem, success is in the journey itself to find a better and more effective you.

In order to change our lives we must be willing to change our habits.

That will be uncomfortable and stretching and fun.
So enjoy!”
AZCre8ive
Andrew Zwicker
Business Plan Creation & Review, Grant Writing
Andrew is a driven, creative and professional entrepreneur with a history of getting people excited and engaged in new ideas and converting that excitement into action.

With a career spent largely in the marketing, business development and small business world, Andrew is passionate about growing small businesses and has an unusual love of writing business plans/strategies.

He spent many years in the ski and tourism industry including roles as the Youth Business Director for Whistler Blackcomb and Marketing Manager for Baldy Mountain Resort. He has done stints on City Council in Rossland, BC has a creative agency that has produced over 500 magazine and news articles and greater than 200 podcast episodes. He also runs Green Circle Marketing delivering online sales and marketing courses.. He has dabbled in the tech industry and loves working with entrepreneurs across all sectors to grow their businesses.

Most recently he produced over 250 marketing and strategic plans for businesses in The Boundary Region of BC with the Boundary Regional Chamber of Commerce and in the West Kootenay with KAST.

He has two active young boys and a border collie who all love living an active outdoor lifestyle together.
CONTACT
Community Futures British Columbia
myCommunityFutures
33163 2nd Ave
Mission BC V2V 6T8
 1-604-289-4222
 information@communityfutures.ca
Mon to Fri: 8:30am to 4:30pm

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ABOUT COMMUNITY FUTURES BRITISH COLUMBIA
CFBC is the provincial association for the Community Futures Development Corporation. Since 1992 we've been fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in rural BC through our 34 member offices. Learn More.

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We are grateful to live and work with people from across many traditional and unceded territories, covering all regions of British Columbia. We are honoured to live on this land and are committed to economic development and growing small businesses together.
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