Community Futures Lakeland welcomes new General Manager Corey Dows

There’s a new face at Community Futures Lakeland: Corey Dows. Corey has taken on the role of General Manager following Lisa Ford’s departure. Lisa was the GM of Community Futures Lakeland for four years before moving on to another career opportunity in Cold Lake.

Corey brings with him a wealth of financial knowledge and community connections. He has a bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a B.Comm with a specialty in Finance and Business Management. Prior to taking on the role, Corey managed a large portfolio of clients in the private investment and financing world, with extensive work experience in Business Lending and Project Management.

He explained this is a perfect position for him, “I have a passion for the community, I’m involved in a lot of non-profit sectors of the Bonnyville region and I have a huge business background.” The position fits his expertise and his passion for helping people. Corey is involved with the Bonnyville Agricultural Society, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #183, and sits on the MD Subdivision and Appeals Board. When not working or volunteering, he enjoys spending time with friends and family by the firepit and on Moose Lake.

Corey encourages businesses to come to see him and learn more about how Community Futures Lakeland can help entrepreneurs. “We have a vast array of programs that we can offer. We do business coaching, mentoring, and lending programs.” Some of these programs include SMARTStart, an initiative launched under his predecessor Lisa’s reign. The program is in its second year and is seeking entrepreneurs and mentors.

The SMARTStart program runs over eight months, with approximately 40 hours of online and in-person training provided to the entrepreneurs. Sessions include finance, marketing, budgets, taxes, human resources and more. In the end, entrepreneurs will gain a better understanding of their business and industry – as well as develop a business plan.

Each entrepreneur is paired with an experienced local business owner. Mentors share their experiences and effective small business management practices. They provide guidance to entrepreneurs as they develop their plans and commit to spending about 30 hours assisting their entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneur eligibility:

• People with an idea for a business
• New business owners in operation for less than 3 years
• Owner of a business in the participating Town/City.
• 18 years of age or older

SMARTStart is just one of the many programs and lending opportunities Community Futures Lakeland offers. To learn more about Community Futures, visit lakeland.albertacf.com, stop by their Bonnyville office at 5024 50 Street, or call 780-826-3858 for a free consultation.

Community Futures Business Lending 

Get the financial support you need to grow your business with one of our flexible business loans. We’re known for saying ‘yes’ when everyone else says ‘no’. If you can’t get a loan from traditional banks, we can help.

Our business loans range up to $150,000 and include:

• Loans for starting a business
• Business expansion loans
• Technology investment loans
• New business loans
• Buying an existing business

With Community Futures, you borrow only what you need, when you need it.

Many of our clients start with one kind of loan product and, over the years, take advantage of our other great loans and programs.

Loan qualification and repayment terms are affordable and flexible. We view your assets, income, and skills more broadly than traditional lenders such as banks.

You can access a wide range of business support from business advisors who know rural businesses like no one else, including free business guidance and counseling.