Click here for the April 2014 edition of Leading Edge - Taking Care of Business Newsletter.

http://www.bluebeetlebooks.com/newsletter/4_2014/cfdc_central_okanagan

The CFDCCO is pleased to announce that they have created a new Business Development Internship. The Business Development Intern will have an opportunity to learn, to help, to develop and to implement strategies, programs and services for community economic development, business training, business advisory and loan services for clients and projects consistent with the CFDCCO Strategic Plan and Annual Operating Plan.

The position is a diverse multi‐faceted position that will help you develop a wide range of skills. Our focus in hiring will be to identify candidates with a mix of business and entrepreneurial education and/or experience along with the attitude and aptitude that is required to become an excellent Business Developer.

click here for job description and hiring process information

Click here for March 2014 edition of Leading Edge - Taking Care of Business Newsletter.

http://www.bluebeetlebooks.com/newsletter/3_2014/cfdc_central_okanagan

Graduate of Community Futures Business Plan Development Program - Jeff Hoffart

Jeff Hoffart of ED-ucation Publishing received recognition for his company from the Okanagan business community.  ChangeUP, an initiative of Okanagan Changemakers oversaw awards handed out to the most innovative initiatives for effective, positive change.  Twelve finalists pitched their projects to a sold-out audience of voters at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.  Jeff was awarded $1,000 for ED-ucation Publishing.  Congratulations to Jeff on his achievement.

Jeff co-founded ED-ucation Publishing and collaborates with social entrepreneurs within the start-up and accelerator culture in Kelowna in order to facilitate youth action.ED-ucation Publishing is founded on the premise that people learn from stories. The company creates books and curriculum to teach and empower the next generation of youth change agents. Its first published book is A is for Action and the next 10 print and eBooks are ready to launch.

With Jeff’s strong sense of community, it was a natural fit for him to connect with Community Futures during his business start-up.  Writing a business plan with Community Futures support “...helped to clarify all the core business aspects of ED-ucation Publishing in order for us to move forward in the most strategic, informed and successful manner”. 

Thanks for letting us catch up with you, Jeff and all the best with your book launch!

2 Gold Tommie awards & 3 Silvers, including the Grand Tommie for 2013 Okanagan Residential Renovator of the Year.  This is a significant recognition of their business in our Okanagan Valley and we congratulate Novarae Interiors on their success!

NovaRae is active in the business community. They launched the first BNI chapter in Lake Country BC, where co-owner Lee-Anne currently holds an executive position. Co-owner Julie sits on the board of directors with Kelowna Women in Business where she facilitated the Better your Business/Better Yourself conference at Sparkling Hill Resort. They are currently in the throes of moving into new office space/Design Centre so things are hopping.

Lee-Anne and Julie started their NovaRae partnership with a Community Futures business plan in 2009 and have had upward growth since then. Julie says “We are very Grateful for the opportunities that the Community Futures program presented us with. We walked away from the program with the winning combination of determination, a well researched plan, connections, mentors & invaluable follow up support. Without it I can honestly say we may not be where we are today!” Julie Russell.

Congratulations again, NovaRae!