Visions North Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) is a non-profit organization based in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, Canada. It is one of 267 Community Futures Development Corporations across Canada that provide services to support community economic development and small business growth.
Visions North CFDC offers a range of services and programs to individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in the northern Saskatchewan region. Some of the services we offer include business planning, financing, and advisory services. We also provide training and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and host community events.
In addition to our support for entrepreneurs and small businesses, Visions North CFDC also plays an important role in supporting community economic development initiatives in the region. We work with local partners to identify economic development opportunities and provide funding and support for projects that help to create jobs and build stronger communities.
Overall, Visions North CFDC is an important resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the northern Saskatchewan region, providing a range of services and support to help them succeed and grow.
Mission Statement: To enrich individuals by providing tools for success in cooperation with communities and corporations.
Supporting Businesses In 25 Communities
Visions North’s area of service covers 25 communities in Northeast Saskatchewan and Athabasca Basin. See a full list of those communities below.
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What We Do
Business Counselling
Assisting businesses with getting started, expanding, or navigating troubling times - just to name a few things
Feasibility Studies
Helping businesses understand the local market and the feasibility of their business idea and venture
Repayable Loans
Visions North CFDC currently has four funds from which it provides financial assistance to businesses
Resource Materials
Helping navigate the many options to choose from when looking for lending or support services available
And So Much More!
About Our Board
Visions North Community Futures is designated as an Aboriginal Financial Institution. To meet this criteria more than 50% of the Board’s composition must be of Aboriginal ancestry. Currently 62% of our Board meet this criteria. As well, there are three women on our Board and one representative of the Metis Nation.
Our Board of directors represents 11 communities in Northern Saskatchewan, the Metis Nation and a Small Business representative, and are nominated to be on our Board by each community. To be assigned to our Board they must meet a set of criteria which each community is aware of.
Once the Board is set elections are held every two years at our annual General Meeting. Besides reviewing the year in terms of activities and reviewing our year end financial records elections are held for the positions of Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary/Treasurer. A person has to be nominated by another director and this nomination has to be seconded. The person nominated has the option to accept or reject the nomination. Once the nomination has been accepted each director has one vote in a secret ballot conducted by an outside party (The person conducting the election has no affiliation with Visions North).
From the Board there is a Loans Committee that is composed of five members. Three of the members are from the executive, one from the community that the application comes from and an at large member.
Board of Directors
Our Board of directors represents 11 communities in Northern Saskatchewan, the Metis Nation and a Small Business representative, and are nominated to be on our Board by each community.
Bruce Fiddler
Chairman
Bruce joined the Visions North Board in November 2016. Bruce represents the Town of Creighton. He has been the Mayor of Creighton for 20 years and has been on Council for 29. Bruce is involved in Municipal politics/operations and Economic Development within the region. He is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012 and the Platinum Jubilee Award and Medal for 2022.
Glen Watchel
Vice Chairman
Glen joined the Visions North Board in November 2016. Glen represents the Member at Large, business owner. Glen has resided in La Ronge for 31 years, he is a local contractor and enjoys living in Northern Saskatchewan.
Terry DesRoches
Secretary/Treasurer
Terry joined the Visions North Board in April 2019. Terry represents the Northern Village of Air Ronge. This is Terry’s second term on the Board of Directors. He has served 5 terms on Council for the Northern Village of Air Ronge. Terry has performed in 20 plus plays with the local community theatre group. His area of expertise is in small business and transportation.
Raeanne Fisher
Director
Raeanne joined the Visions North Board in February 2022. She represents the Metis Nation, Jim Brady Metis Local #19. Raeanne was born and raised in Northern Saskatchewan. She brings to the table 25+ years of administration.
Nola Morin
Director
Nola joined the Visions North Board April 2022. Nola represents the Northern Village of Sandy Bay. She is the facilitator at the Early Years Family Resource Centre in Sandy Bay, SK. She is an alderwoman on the Northern Village of Sandy Bay council.
Abby Besharah
Director
Abby joined the Visions North Board in January 2021. Abby represents the Town of La Ronge. She is a small business owner and has 15 years experience in the hospitality sector, most recently opening Marker 47 Café in December 2021. Abby has spent a number of years in public service after receiving a degree in Urban and Regional Planning and working for both provincial and municipal government in policy and regulation. Abby has a keen interest in community-building, and strengthening local and regional economic endeavors.