ABOUT US
Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake is a community driven, non-profit business loan and business development organization. Our team provides a wide range of small business services and business management tools for entrepreneurs that are wanting to start, expand, sell or franchise a business. We also run a number of specialized business programs, organize exciting business events and actively work with community and business leaders to foster rural economic growth. We understand small businesses in Northern Alberta like nobody else.
We are a community driven, non-profit organization, staffed by business professionals and guided by a local volunteer Board of Directors. Funded by the Government of Canada through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) Community Futures has been supporting small business and rural economic diversification since 1986. There are 27 Community Futures offices in rural communities throughout Alberta, and a total of 269 across the country.
At Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region, our focus is lending to new and existing small businesses. When traditional financial institutions step back from a small business venture, Community Futures steps forward.
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Community Futures is where many small business receive their FIRST Business Loan.
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We help businesses to succeed. Period. Come by and see for yourself.
WHO WE ARE
WHAT WE DO
One of the primary focuses of Community Futures is to foster entrepreneurial development by providing both financial, technical and developmental support to new and existing small businesses. At Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region, our focus is lending to new and existing small businesses.
Our team provides a wide range of small business services and business management tools for entrepreneurs that are wanting to start, expand, sell or franchise a business. We also run a number of specialized business programs, organize exciting business events and actively work with community and business leaders to foster rural economic growth. You can learn more on our Loans & Services page.
WHO WE HELP
The Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake office provides small business services to people living in the Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake region.
We offer a wide range of business loan options, training courses, personal business coaching and networking events. Most of these services are either free or available for a small fee. Some programs have specific eligibility requirements that are outlined in the specific business programs. To get a sense of the wide variety of people that Community Futures helps, read our Success Stories.
Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region works with small businesses from High Prairie to Wabasca, Smith to Red Earth Creek. We have a presence throughout the region and are ready to speak with you about your business needs.
A detailed list of communities we operate within includes: Assineau, Atikameg, Big Prairie, Canyon Creek, Decrene, Desmarais, Driftpile, East Prairie, Enilda, Faust, Fawcett Lake, Gift Lake, Grouard, Grouard Mission, High Prairie, Joussard, Kinuso, Little Buffalo, Loon Lake, Municipal District of Opportunity, Mitsue, Peerless Lake, Red Earth Creek, Sandy Lake, Saulteaux, Sawridge Reserve, Slave Lake, Sucker Creek, Swan River Reserve, Trout Lake, Wabasca, Wabasca-Desmarais, Wagner, and Wide Water
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At Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region, our focus is lending to new and existing small businesses. When traditional finanical institutions step back from a small business venture, Community Futures steps forward.
​
Community Futures is where many small business receive their FIRST Business Loan.
​
We help businesses to succeed. Period. Come by and see for yourself.
OUR STAFF
We are small business specialists who take the time to really understand your business ideas, and roll up our sleeves to help you make them happen. Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake staff provide a wide range of small business services, including business loans and business grant advice, business and financial planning, skills development and training, and strategic marketing and networking – and are available to work one-on-one to connect you with the right programs and services. Call or email us today to get your business dreams moving forward.
We also have in-depth knowledge of the unique characteristics of our local and regional economies, and actively work to develop rural diversification strategies in partnership with business and community leaders, local government, educational institutions, other business lenders and not-for-profits.
Josh Craig Friesen | Executive Director
Phone: 780-849-3232
Email: joshlsl@albertacf.com
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Robin-Lee Vance | Business Analyst
Email: balsl@albertacf.com
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Divine Kitchen | Office Manager
Email: adminlsl@albertacf.com
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Joy McGregor | Programs Coordinator
Email: programslsl@albertacf.com
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Sunny Kwan | Digital Service Squad
Email: squadlsl@albertacf.com
OUR BOARD
Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake is a community driven, non-profit organization that is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board is made up of local business people who bring extensive knowledge and experience of the area’s economy. Our Board members represent our region’s population and main economic sectors. The role of the Board is to establish our organization’s priorities, monitor our performance, and be accountable to key stakeholders, such as local, provincial and federal governments.
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Do you have interest in becoming a board member or committee volunteer? Please contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions.
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Click to see our Board Criteria
Our Current Board of Directors
Richard Mifflin | Chairman | County of Big Lakes
Steven Adams | Secretary Treasurer | Public Member at Large
Nancy Sand | Vice Chair | MD Lesser Slave River
Marcel Auger | Board Member | MD of Opportunity
Kevin Kuhn | Board Member | Public Member at Large
Glen Mitchell | Board Member | Public Member at Large
ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region is dedicated to being accountable and providing transparency within its operations. Listed below are the Operating Plans, Financial Statements, Investment Review Committees and Year End Results of Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region. Click on a link below to open the PDF copy.
Financial Statements
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Financial Statements - March 31, 2021
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Financial Statements - March 31, 2022
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Financial Statements - March 31, 2023
Performance Reports
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Performance Report - 2021 to 2022
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Performance Report - 2022 to 2023