Community Futures Ontario — Business Information and Planning Services ### 📋 Eligible Entities - For-profit businesses (all sizes and sectors) - Social enterprises operating in Ontario - Not-for-profit organizations with business operations - Sole proprietors and self-employed individuals - Partnerships and incorporated companies - Businesses located in Ontario communities served by Community Futures organizations - Startups in the planning/pre-launch phase - Established businesses seeking growth or transformation ### 💰 Funding Details - No direct grant funding — this is a service access program, not a monetary grant - Services are typically free or low-cost to eligible participants - No repayment required (services-based, not loan-based) - Funded through government partnerships; businesses access counselling and planning support at no or minimal out-of-pocket cost - Actual value of services received varies by service type and intensity ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses This program provides access to services, not funding for business expenses. Eligible service areas include: - Business counselling and advisory sessions - Business plan development and refinement - Export market research and international expansion guidance - Entrepreneurial training and skill-building workshops - Government program navigation and funding application support - Strategic planning assistance - Market analysis and feasibility studies - Mentorship connections and networking ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Service delivery through local Community Futures organizations — must contact your regional office - Commitment to active participation in counselling/planning sessions - Willingness to implement recommendations and advice provided - Confidentiality agreements may apply to business information shared - Services are advisory in nature — no guarantee of business success - Geographic eligibility — must operate or plan to operate in a served Ontario community - Timeline varies by service type (single sessions to multi-month engagement plans) - Some advanced services may have prerequisite requirements (e.g., established business plan for export support)