When walking down Main Street Castor, you  know you have arrived at the  Purple Platypus by the vibrant purple door and eye-catching window displays. Click photo to view the full article. Article was published in the Castor Advance newspaper, January 13, 2022. 

Cornucopia is a small batch popcorn operator using only premium ingredients giving their products a superior taste and texture. Click photo to view the full article. Article was published in the Castor Advance newspaper, January 6, 2022. 

Bashaw Farm & Building Supplies Ltd was purchased by Shaun and Cindy Orom in 2017 with the desire to raise their family in a small community, as well as ensure the continuance of a long-time business in Bashaw.

The Orom’s represented many current businesses operating during the COVID pandemic that wanted reassurance of whether to adapt their business and/or how to pivot their products and services. CFEP business coaching allowed the Orom’s to express their fears, reassured them they were not alone, and ensured they were mentally prepared to adapt their businesses to changing conditions. As a result, they had the confidence to move forward with the development and expansion of a new greenhouse, adopted curbside pickup, as well as implement a new online ordering system. Their efforts ensured operations were maintained and successful throughout COVID, as well as moving forward.

Bashaw Farm & Building Supplies Ltd also participated in Community Future East Parkland’s annual Marketing Challenge (#MarketingChallenge) that moved to an on-line Facebook version in 2020, winning the prize for the Most Dynamic. https://www.bfbsltd.com/

Just B Diversity specializes in workplace diversity and inclusion training, policy development, and management through guest speaking and facilitating fun and interactive workshops.

Entrepreneur, B Adair,  recommends to keep learning. "There is always room for improvement". "I won the (#MarketingChallenge) for Most Influential, which was the goal I was aiming for...I would do a similar challenge as this really got me focused on improving my social media presence."

Mae's Kitchen is a full service restaurant focusing on down-home cooking operating since 2018.

Owner/operator, Annie Mae Cummer, advises that 'when starting a business, don't go overboard.  Start small and build your business as your client base builds."  Community Futures had faith in me to help expand my business.  Even with the struggles of COVID restrictions, we are still going strong.

The Boardwalk Bistro is a quaint little restaurant located just off Highway 56 in Big Valley, operating since 2012.  They offer a lunch menu, specialty coffees, homemade desserts and Foothills ice cream.  There is also a selection of unique gift items.  

Owner/operator, Tanya Plante, advises that "business is hard work!  If you aren't willing to put in the time to get to know your customers, your community, and your products, don't bother...but it is very rewarding when people keep coming back and give you full support for your efforts". Community Futures was instrumental in getting us started. They have offered training, help with marketing, web pages and social media.  "Without their help we would not have been able to realize a dream!"