PRINCE GEORGE, British Columbia, QUEBEC and MONTREAL, October 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The future of the community/SADC+CAE/CBDC and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) today announced a $100 million initiative to reach more business owners living in rural and remote areas. Leaders in their communities, rural entrepreneurs are an exceptionally active demographic, with the entrepreneurship rate expected to be 17% in 2024, compared to 12% in urban areas. The funding package created under this new initiative is expected to generate up to $250 million in GDP over five years.
With respective business centers and offices across the country, Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC and BDC have a complementary presence. A federal program administered by regional development agencies and Economic Development Canada, Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC operates 267 not-for-profit offices across Canada providing small business loans, tools, training and events. BDC supports entrepreneurs by providing financing, advisory services and capital from 109 business centers across Canada and online at bdc.ca.
“This initiative aims to increase support for the 520,000 rural and remote entrepreneurs who grow our economy,” said the Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister Responsible for Economic Development Canada in Quebec Regions. “It leverages the complementary strengths of both organizations – BDC’s funding and advisory expertise and Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC’s deep local presence across the country.”
“At BDC, we believe that every entrepreneur, no matter where they live, deserves a fair chance to grow their business. Rural and remote communities are full of courageous, resilient business owners who often face more obstacles and fewer resources,” said Isabelle Hudon, BDC President and CEO. “This initiative with Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC allows us to do what a development bank should do: go where others don't and build bridges where gaps exist. We are unlocking potential that has been overlooked for too long. We believe this is what our economy needs now.”
“Joining forces with BDC to increase the opportunities and resources available to rural and remote entrepreneurs from coast to coast is a powerful combination that will lead to significant impact across the country for decades to come,” said Troy Dungate, President of Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC. “BDC is committed to investing $100 million in support of businesses that often face strong headwinds simply due to geography and the vast nature of our country. This commitment, coupled with our practical on-the-ground knowledge, is a smart way to ensure that this infusion of capital is distributed through loans to new and existing entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. Additionally, we know that many entrepreneurs in rural Canada are attracted to the job because of the desirable lifestyle it creates for their families. Working together, we expect this to make positive and meaningful changes in the lives of individual Canadians and our country as a whole.”
This initiative with Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC builds on BDC's broader commitment to developing entrepreneurial potential in all its forms and contributing to the growth of the Canadian economy. WITH launch our Community banking As part of the initiative, in November 2024, BDC teamed up with financial institutions and community lending partners that support underserved communities. By joining this network of trusted partners, Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC should help us reach even more business owners in rural and remote areas. It's about meeting entrepreneurs where they are and helping them grow.
This announcement appeared shortly before Small Business Weeka national celebration of Canadian entrepreneurship that BDC has organized for over 45 years. This year's theme The Economic Revolution is Here – Prepare Your Business.
BDC and Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC are stepping up their efforts to help entrepreneurs in rural and remote communities who make vital contributions to Canada's economy get the resources they need to thrive.
About BDC: 80 Years of Canada's Bank for Entrepreneurs
BDC is the partner of choice for all entrepreneurs who want to access the financing and advice they need to build their businesses and solve the big challenges of our time. Our investment arm, BDC Capital, offers a wide range of venture capital solutions that help grow the most innovative companies. BDC's role in growth means we are in a constant state of evolution: wherever entrepreneurs go and whatever the Canadian economy needs, we will be there to help them meet the challenges. 80 years later, that commitment is still very much alive. Our funding and investments in FY 2025 are expected to add approximately $25 billion to Canada's GDP over the next five years. We are one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Diversity, and the first financial institution in Canada to receive the awardB Corp Certification in 2013. For more information about our products and services, and to check out free tools, templates and articles, visit bdc.caor join BDC at social media.
About the Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC community
Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC (CFNC) represents 267 Community Futures Organizations (CFOs)—non-profit community economic development offices in rural and remote communities from coast to coast. A true grassroots organization, CFNC is supported by passionate people: 2,951 board volunteers and 1,230 staff. Together, they skillfully and compassionately apply their local knowledge and experience to make local decisions to support their communities and businesses. Each CFO provides business development services, loans and financing to small and medium-sized businesses as a development lender. CFOs play a key role in rural and remote communities, providing access to finance and personalized support that enables businesses to start, grow and sustain where other support is not available. Together we strengthen the local economy, create jobs, increase community cohesion, grow the local economy and contribute to the country's global competitiveness.
Since 2000, the Community Futures Program has provided more than $6.3 billion in loans to 135,000 businesses, raised $11.3 billion, and impacted 779,856 job opportunities.
Media contacts:
BDK
[email protected]
1-844-625-8321
Future of Community/SADC+CAE/CBDC
[email protected]
1.888.633.2326 ext. 5
