Community Futures Wild Rose

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Want to see a magic trick?

In 1989, Community Futures Wild Rose was entrusted with $1 million and a simple mandate: invest in local businesses and help create jobs. That’s it. Just one million dollars and a commitment to local entrepreneurship.

Since then, those community dollars have been invested, repaid, and reinvested again and again. Those investments have supported new business owners, new jobs, and new ideas across our region.

Today, that original $1 million has helped generate over $40 million in community investment.

Not actually magic… just the power of community dollars in motion.
Local business owners succeed, repay, and make it possible for the next entrepreneur to access the same opportunity.

This is what we mean when we talk about community dollars.
This is how local businesses build local business… one investment at a time.

https://wildrose.albertacf.com/

On June 18, Community Futures Wild Rose shareholders gathered at the Acme Community Centre for our 2026 Annual General Meeting.

Before the meeting, we enjoyed a walking tour of the new Acme School and the Sunterra Farmers Market, followed by a delicious dinner catered by Swiss Kitchen Lady and live music from local young musician Sean Braun.

And for dessert, we had celebratory cake!

That's because this year's AGM marked an incredible milestone: more than $40 million invested in local businesses since Community Futures Wild Rose began.

What started with a $1 million federal investment has been continually reinvested back into our region through the Community Futures model, helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses.

More than numbers in a report, this milestone shows the strength of rural business owners who borrow, build, repay, and make it possible for those dollars to support the next entrepreneur, the next job, and the next community success story.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, including our speakers and guests who helped make the evening so special. Congratulations as well to Connie Turnbull of Langdon Community Pet Co., recipient of our Q4 Heart of our Community Award, who shared the story behind her business and its impact on the community.

Here's to the next chapter and to continuing to build strong businesses and strong communities across the Wild Rose region.

"Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage." - Niccolo Machiavelli

Buy Local! Every corner of our province is packed with hard-working folks dedicated to producing high-quality goods, from food and clothing to construction materials. When you buy local, you not only keep your hard-earned dollars here, you show your neighbours you’ve got their back.

Alberta.ca/BuyLocal

When you support a small business, you support a dream.

Rain or shine, the conversations were wonderful!

On June 11, Trisha and Lindsay continued our Business Walks, visiting the communities of Acme, Linden, Beiseker, and Irricana. Although we got a little soggy after getting caught in the rain in Irricana, it was a wonderful day filled with meaningful conversations and warm welcomes from local businesses.

A special thank you to our board members who joined us along the way: Rhonda Laking in Acme, Trish McConnell in Linden, Neil Young in Beiseker, and Julie Sim in Irricana. We are so grateful for your support and community leadership.

And, of course, thank you to all the business owners who took the time to chat with us. Your insights help us better understand and support the incredible entrepreneurs who make our region thrive.

We're proud to serve such vibrant communities and look forward to many more conversations ahead!

Join our monthly newsletter for updates, events, and information important to rural entrepreneurs and businesses.

➡https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/sfZq1cC/keepincontact

Introducing our Scale-Up Loan 🌱

The Scale-Up Loan is a growth loan for established businesses seeking to expand in a planned, responsible way. It is designed for established businesses that are already generating revenue and ready to grow.

Many businesses reach a point where expansion opportunities appear: hiring staff, increasing production, purchasing equipment, or entering new markets. Sometimes the opportunity is real, but traditional financing doesn’t quite line up with the timing or structure of the growth plan.

This loan is built for businesses with proven demand, steady revenue, and a clear expansion plan, but who need the right financing partner to help move that plan forward.

Funding is released in stages as your business reaches key milestones, helping ensure expansion happens in a steady, manageable way.

Our team works closely with borrowers to review financials and understand the growth plan, helping ensure the numbers support the opportunity ahead.

Ready to scale your business?
Visit our website or contact our Business Development Officer today!

➡ https://wildrose.albertacf.com/services/scale-up-loan