As an elected official with the Town of Black Diamond, I participate on several committees. My term-length position is with Community Futures Highwood.

Prior to being elected I knew of Community Futures but would have been hard pressed to describe what they do. Now I know they do a lot. Here’s an excerpt from their website:

Community Futures Highwood is a community driven, non-profit organization staffed by business professionals and guided by a volunteer Board of Directors. They provide a wide range of small business services and business management tools for people wanting to start, expand, franchise or sell a business. They also run a number of specialized business programs, organize exciting business events and actively work with community and business leaders to foster rural economic growth.

Community Futures Highwood also offers business coaching and training and they put on many business programs throughout the year. These programs are designed to either build skills, provide networking opportunities or help your business start or grow. The staff at Community Futures are incredible. They are kind and want to see you succeed.

This summer, Community Futures Highwood is offering three programs for our local youth:

1. Loans – kids can get help creating a business concept and starting up a business. Up to $10,000 per loan is available with no interest until October. Community Futures is there every step of the way to offer support and guidance.

2. Job search – for those who just want to be an employee for the summer, Community Futures Highwood has partnered with McBride Career Group to get youth into the workforce. Community Futures is also posting jobs on their Facebook page.

3. Mentors – Community Futures is seeking local business people to mentor student on topics such as advertising, networking, invoicing and day-to-day operations.

This program and Community Futures Highwood is funded by your federal tax dollars, so make use of this amazing opportunity and all of the knowledgeable people at Community Futures who want to share their expertise with you. If you know a local youth who could benefit from this creative self-employment program, contact Community Futures Highwood at 403-995-4151 or marisaa@cfhighwood.net or billiec@cfhighwood.net

Poster for Community Futures Highwood’s creative self employment program.