Chilliwack – Stó:lō Community Futures (SCF) received two major business awards announced at the Annual Partnerships for Success 2016 Community Futures of BC (CFBC) Conference and Award Gala in Vancouver, BC on Thursday, September 22nd, 2016. Of the thirty-four offices throughout BC, SCF is only one of three Community Futures offices dedicated exclusively to serving the Indigenous Community. SCF is a non-profit organization that supports community economic development and business growth in S’ólh Téméxw, the Stó:lō Tradtional Territory, that stretches from Hope to Langley, BC, along the Fraser River.
CFBC, funded by Western Economic Diversification Canada, assists small business and economic development to the rural community throughout the Province. The Partnerships for Success Conference is an opportunity to celebrate their successes, and recognize the incredible impact of the Community Futures program on rural Communities.
The Investment Fund Portfolio Award was awarded to SCF because of the significant increase in new and innovative Indigenous businesses loan growth last year. An increase of almost 300% in capital funds was lent to Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs, in part made possible through joint strategic partnerships with the Bank of Montréal (BMO) and the SCF/BMO Micro Loans Fund, as well as SCF’s joint initiative with Vancity, through the Stó:lō Community Loan Fund.
SCF is honored and humbled by the recognition that has stemmed from the STÓ:LŌ MEANS BUSINESS initiative that includes implementing major economic strategies dedicated to focusing Stó:lō as the Centre of Aboriginal Business in BC.
Louis De Jaeger, Indigenous entrepreneur from Chilliwack, Métis, and Treasurer of the SCF Board of Directors, was bestowed the Al McCracken Memorial Award as Provincial Volunteer of the Year Award. This award was based upon Mr. De Jaeger’s tireless dedication to the promotion of business growth in the Indigenous economy in S’ólh Téméxw. Mr. De Jaeger was recognized for his outstanding leadership, and dedication to Stó:lō Community Futures.
SCF’s Vision, to make S’ólh Téméxw the centre of Indigenous business in the Province, is dedicated to supporting and growing the Indigenous enterpreneurial spirit in the Stó:lō Communities. The Vision is becoming reality through the hard work of the SCF Board of Directors, its nine mandated Committees with Community Member involvement, as well as SCF Staff.
Background information:
STÓ:LŌ MEANS BUSINESS is an economic initiative led by SCF, a non-profit organization mandated to provide support in community economic development and business growth to Aboriginal peoples living in the Stó:lō Traditional Territory. SCF embraces and celebrates Stó:lō cultural values and believes in creating and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit in Stó:lō and Indigenous communities. Aboriginal business growth, economic development opportunities and Aboriginal partnerships with the private sector are experiencing growth and prosperity across Canada. STÓ:LŌ MEANS BUSINESS captures this spirit and says, “Consider the Possibilities. Stó:lō is open for business.”
