Home / About Us

About Us

Being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean that you need to know everything. But, it’s important to know where to go for the right information and support.

Our job is to help you succeed

Frontenac Business Services (formerly Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation) is funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. This is a community-driven, economic development initiative designed to assist communities in Canada’s rural areas to develop and implement strategies for dealing with a changing economic environment.

If you are starting a home-based business, a brick and mortar store or looking to grow your existing business, we’re here to help you. We also encourage you to reach out if you are experiencing any challenges in your business, our free coaching may be beneficial for you.

Frontenac Business Services Strategic Plan

Vision

We envision a nimble organization that inspires and supports individuals to invest in opportunities that diversifies and strengthens our local economy.

Mission

We will provide business advice and loan services that nurture and support the entrepreneurial spirit. We will invest for impact for the business and the community.

Community Futures Program Mandate

Frontenac Business Services is a not-for-profit organization that is governed by a volunteer board of directors. We are one of 37 Community Futures Development Corporations in Southern Ontario funded by Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

Our Role at Frontenac Business Services

We provide consultative and investment support to businesses in the Frontenacs with:

We place particular emphasis on three areas

1. Brand Fortitude and Business Promotion – talk to us about business promotion and networking opportunities.

2. Invest for Impact – We are here to support your business to be more profitable and to create jobs.

3. Food and Beverage – There is opportunity here for small scale artisan food and beverage businesses, talk to us if you have an idea.

What is Community Futures?

Frontenac Business Services

Meet the Team

We are dedicated professionals who pride ourselves on delivering business advice and loan services that nurtures and supports your entrepreneurial spirit. Having had small businesses ourselves, we understand the challenges that you may face and we are here to support. Also reach out to us to explore new opportunities and to get a fresh perspective on your business.

Anne Prichard

Executive Director

613-372-1414 Ext 204

Jason Brown

Business Advisor

613-372-1414 Ext 202

Lauren Reid

Office Administrator & Business Advisor

613-372-1414 Ext. 206

The resources supplied by the Frontenac CFDC have been invaluable to our business in ways of marketing efforts, networking, financial services and being a part of the community. Indeed, after being in business for 25+ years in the GTA where we were more or less on our own, it’s been such a pleasant surprise and change to find such resources offered for local businesses.

Debbie Fitzerman

David and Sons Fine Condiments

The best business decision I ever made was contacting the team at the CFDC. They ensured I had the tools to obtain a solid understanding of business fundamentals and they continue to be proactive with offering information, guidance as well as learning and networking opportunities.

Tammy Watson

Trillium and Maplewood Handywomen Services

Frontenac Business Services helped to make a dream reality. The team worked diligently with us for a year to help fine tune our business plan, and to make sure all of our “ducks” were in a row. We faced some challenges along the way, but their patience and guidance was unwavering.

Barb Matson

C4 Convenience

Board Members

Brett Prikker

Chair

Ian Murdoch

Vice-Chair

Jon Dessau

Secretary/Treasurer

Chris Lucas

Chair Investment Committee

Pam Armstrong

Andrew Douglas

Betty Hunter

Kelly Johnson

Dr. Gian Kaillon

Darlene Plumley

Become a Board Member

Help us make Frontenac County an even better place to work, live and visit and bring your knowledge and passion to our board. We are looking for:

If you are interested in becoming a Director of Frontenac Business Services, you can apply by filling out an application form and forwarding it to our office or for more information on becoming a board member, contact Anne Prichard, Executive Director at 613-372-1414 Ext 204.

Board composition

The organization strives to have a well-balanced board with representation from each of the four municipalities, 50:50 gender parity and a cross-section of ages. In addition to being knowledgeable and passionate about the communities they serve, our current roster of directors has expertise in commercial finance, entrepreneurship, sales and marketing, tourism and municipal administration.

Interested in being a director?

Contact us

Call the executive director at 613-372-1414 ext 204 or fill out the application below.

Let’s chat

to discuss the role of the director.

Meet directors

The best way to get a feel for the role is to speak with some directors. If there is a vacancy and a mutual fit, the individual will be nominated at the AGM.

Contact Us

Have a question or would like to set up a meeting, we’d love to hear from you.

613.372.1414

Call us during business hours for immediate assistance.