Futurpreneur: A Boost for New Business

Futurpreneur recently announced that they are increasing their loan amounts in collaboration with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), with support of the Government of Canada. These enhancements include:

  • Futurpreneur is increasing its startup loan offerings from up to $60,000 to up to $75,000 in collateral-free financing, with one-on-one mentorship.
     
  • Futurpreneur is expanding eligibility criteria to young entrepreneurs who have been in business for 24 months or less; doubling the previous 12-month criteria.
     
  • Through Futurpreneur's Side Hustle Program, entrepreneurs who are balancing full-time jobs with side businesses will have access to loan offerings up to $25,000 with one-on-one mentoring; this is an increase from $15,000. 
     
  • Through Futurpreneur's Core Startup Program and Indigenous Entrepreneurship Startup Program, young entrepreneurs and young, Indigenous founders have the opportunity for funding of up to $25,000 from Futurpreneur matched 2:1 with up to $50,000 from BDC.
     
  • Through Futurpreneur's Black Entrepreneur Startup Program, young, Black entrepreneurs have the opportunity for funding of up to $50,000 from Futurpreneur, funded by RBC, and $25,000 from BDC. Futurpreneur will continue offering follow-on financing up to $40,000 for Futurpreneur supported Black entrepreneurs with two to four years of business performance, funded by RBC.

October 4 - Manufacturing Bus Tour

On October 4, the City of Abbotsford and Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce put on the inaugural Manufacturing Bus Tour. The day-long event made stops at local manufacturing business including BARR Plastics, RAD Torque Tools, Reimer Hardwoods and StructureCraft. As an added bonus, a networking lunch was hosted at Chinook Helicopters. The manufacturing sector in Abbotsford is integral to our entire economy by supporting jobs and supporting other sectors. It was an amazing day celebrating the success of Abbotsford home-grown businesses. Thank you to all those who joined the tour!

Be sure to check out the Council blog 'Learning more about our manufacturing sector'

Involve Abbotsford Symposium 2024

Join us, the City of Abbotsford, for this year's Involve Symposium - Sustainability Edition, on Thursday, November 21. This full day symposium features a keynote address, workshop breakout sessions, networking and cultural performances. You will want to register early for this exciting and impactful event; be sure to check out the full-day brochure and presenter profiles.

Business Community Events

  1. Leaders Lunch: Join the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce for their Leaders Lunch on November 5. This lunch will feature this year's Vital Signs Report commissioned by the Abbotsford Community Foundation. There will be a particular spotlight on food security in Abbotsford. 

  2. 28th Annual Business Excellence Awards:  On November 14 join the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce in celebrating stellar achievements in the Abbotsford Business Community at their 28th Annual Business Excellence Awards hosted at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre.

  3. TEDxAbbotsford - The Power of Gratitude: Be sure to grab your tickets for an inspiring day of ideas at the University of the Fraser Valley on November 15. At TEDxAbbotsford you will have the opportunity to hear from speakers, engage in discussions and network.

  4. A Mehfil Under the Stars Gala: Grab your tickets for the Fraser Valley Indo-Canadian Business Association Gala supporting Canuck Place Hospice on November 16. Enjoy dining, music and entertainment under a themed starry night, and support a cause that makes a difference!

  5. Business After Business - UFV School of Business: On November 20, join the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce for their Business after Business event showcasing the University of the Fraser Valley's School of Business and Sales Academy.

  6. Winter Jubilee: Join the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association on November 23 for the annual holiday festival in Downtown Abbotsford. The Historic Holiday Tree Lighting will take place at 7 pm. Make sure to stop by and enjoy all the festive activities taking place, including face painting, cookie decorating and a vendor market.

  7. First Nation, Inuit and Métis Artisan Market: Join the Fraser Valley Métis Association in supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs by attending the upcoming Artisan Market on November 30 and December 7. Check out one-of a kind, beautifully made products, while learning more about the incredible Indigenous entrepreneurs in the community.

  8. Mayor's Annual Address to the Business Community and Holiday Celebration: On December 5, join the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce who is hosting Mayor Ross Siemens for his annual address to the Abbotsford Business Community. The Chamber will also provide an update to the 'Business of Doing Good Report' in partnership with the University of the Fraser Valley.

Be sure to check out Go! Abbotsford for a full list of activities, holiday markets and events!

Mayor and Council Updates

Mayor and Council are actively involved in our community representing the City at local events, openings, tours, and meetings with senior levels of government and other stakeholders. View some of the important work being done by your City Council by checking out the most recent council briefs and blogs as well as photos of Council in the city!

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Table Talk

Table Talk offers a forum to promote and share news focused on economic development including business resources and grants, programs, updates and events for the business community. The mission of Table Talk is to cultivate and grow economic development relationships.

We want to hear from you! Email us at econdev@abbotsford.ca to learn more about the Table or to share your news via Table Talk.