Muskoka Futures – Be the Change You Wish to See!
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford
With a philosophy that took him from his Midwest farm roots to transforming the automotive industry, Henry Ford believed in the power of collaboration to fuel change. And this is a viewpoint shared by Muskoka Futures, which removes the roadblocks to success with a ‘customer-first’ focus.
What is Muskoka Futures?
Approachable. Knowledgeable. Connected. Muskoka Futures promotes economic growth and job creation by supporting businesses with loans, consultation, mentoring, and coaching. “When our local businesses are successful, the whole community benefits,” said David Brushey, Executive Director at Muskoka Futures. “We want to make sure they have the support they need.”
‘Moving forward’ has been the primary goal at Muskoka Futures over the past year. An innovative platform of ‘Momentum’ programs, coordinated by Jodi Chapman-Good, and flexible, Customer-focused, investment options under Tyler Lockhart, provides impetus to people who want to start a new venture or take their business to the next level.
It’s a community focused approach at Muskoka Futures says David, “Everyone at Muskoka Futures, from our staff to the directors to the volunteers, is there because they are excited about the future of our community.”
New days … new ways!
The past year brought a lot of fresh ideas to Muskoka Futures. “We took a look at where we wanted to go in order to have more positive impact on Muskoka and came up with a different approach,” said David. “Our message is very simple – just give us a call and we’ll help you find the right answers.”
This new Brand is supported by both new programs and streamlined, customer service focused, internal processes ensuring that businesses get the support they need, when they need it. The ‘Idea Project’ evolved from a roundtable forum into a powerful Think Tank, with thought leaders from within and beyond the area seeking inventive resolutions to difficult problems. ‘Walk-in Wednesdays’ let people connect informally with mentors and advisors who are on hand at the office to offer their guidance, while ‘Talk Tuesdays’ replace formal workshops as a better way to address common business concerns.
This new approach has had significant impacts over the past year:
- Supported more than 250 businesses through investment, mentorship and advisory services.
- Lending increased to more than $1.5 million, a 50% increase from past years, and leveraged in excess of $8 million in investment from other sources.
- Facilitating solutions to issues affecting local businesses by working directly with private sector leaders to generate fresh, innovative ideas.
Share in the experience
Muskoka Futures introduces opportunities and then backs them up with solid support: it’s a dynamic organization with a creative vision. “We’re very excited about the growing success that our changes are making,” said David, “and we would love to hear from anyone who is interested in becoming a client, or joining us as a Mentor or Advisor. If you are a leader with a passion for continuous change and believe in supporting local businesses, we are also seeking candidates for our Board of Directors.”
Follow us on social media @muskokafutures, or even better, drop in to our office to get acquainted; and, to paraphrase the wise words of Gandhi, “Be the change that you wish to see”.
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