We’re doing something a little different with the I Left the City podcast. We just launched the “Wildly Successful” mini-series featuring organizations that can help you move your business or start a new one in Hastings County. In the first episode, Mary Lynn Rutledge tells us about Community Futures of North and Central Hastings and South Algonquin’s flexible and affordable loans, free business counseling, and why so many of their clients recommend them.

Listen below, watch on YouTube, or read on for a few highlights.

Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs

Mary Lynn Rutledge, the organization’s Executive Director, explains that they’re part of a national Community Futures program which supports rural and remote businesses and is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. Their mainstay is business loans that are more accessible and flexible than those offered by traditional banks. They can offer up to $300,000 to small and medium sized businesses.
 

Support Beyond Financing

Beyond financial support, Community Futures offers confidential one-on-one business counseling. They can help with business planning, basic bookkeeping, or just answer questions. The service is available online, over the phone, or in person. They’re even willing to travel to you.

Community Futures also hosts workshops on topics like grant writing, merchandising, and navigating tariffs.

Subscribe to I Left the City

Next time on the “Wildly Successful” series, we feature the Central and North Hastings Chamber of Commerce which helps business owners grow through networking, referrals, and education. Follow or subscribe on Soundcloud, Apple, Spotify, or YouTube to be notified when the episode drops.