IICF Builds on the 35 Years of Support of Indigenous Entrepreneurs

Kamloops, B.C. - Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN) is proud to announce a new chapter with the launch of its new name, Interior Indigenous Community Futures (IICF), alongside a new brand identity and website, www.iicf.ca. The transition reflects the organization’s continued growth, expanded service offerings, and longstanding commitment to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities, and economic development initiatives throughout the Interior region of British Columbia.

For more than 35 years, CFDC of CIFN has worked alongside Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities to provide business financing, entrepreneurship support, skills training, regional economic development initiatives, and emergency response and recovery support. Its work has evolved from traditional lending services to include community resiliency programs, youth entrepreneurship programs, food sovereignty initiatives, emergency management support, and more. The new name better reflects both the scope of the organization’s work and the communities it serves across the region of British Columbia’s interior.

““We are so excited to share our new name and brand. We believe it represents who we are today, built on the foundation of our past, and where we are headed as an organization in the future,” shared George Casimir, Executive Director of IICF. “Even though our name is changing, our commitments remain the same to support Indigenous entrepreneurs, communities, and businesses through strategic economic development supports, strong partnerships, and culturally grounded services. This rebrand reflects growth, opportunity, and our vision for today and for the next 35 years of IICF.”

IICF will focus on key priorities to increase access to capital, expand youth entrepreneurship supports, strengthen communication and outreach, enhance financial literacy training, and support Indigenous business growth across the region.

Michael LeBourdais, Board Chair of IICF, said that the transition reflects the strength of the organization’s foundation and its future direction.

“Our organization is built on relationships, trust, and a longstanding commitment to Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities,” noted LeBourdais. “Our new identity honours where we have come from and creates space for future growth and expanded impact. As a Board, we are excited to continue supporting the organization’s growth and the important work being led by George and the IICF team alongside many valued partners.”

The organization’s updated branding incorporates Indigenous storytelling and cultural connection, including teachings reflected through the story of Kenkeknem, or the Black Bear, shared as part of IICF’s new visual identity. The original Stseptkwll, or story, written by Kenthen Thomas, centres on relationships, responsibility, learning, and connection to the land and community. The bear in Secwepemc culture represents strength, protection, teaching, and the importance of relationships, and reflects IICF’s commitment to culturally grounded economic development.

““We are here to support people, build relationships, and create opportunities,” added Casimir. “We invite Indigenous entrepreneurs as well as communities and organizations to connect with us, explore our new website, and be part of this next chapter as we continue to help build strong, resilient, and thriving Indigenous economies together.”

To Book an Interview with Interior Indigenous Community Futures, please contact:

Aleece Laird, Communications Liaison, aleece@amplifyinc.ca, 250.574.0221

About IICF

Interior Indigenous Community Futures (IICF) is an Indigenous-led economic development organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities throughout the Interior region of British Columbia. For more than 35 years as Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations, IICF has provided business financing, skills training, entrepreneurship support, regional economic development initiatives, and community-based programming designed to strengthen Indigenous economies and create long-term opportunities. Grounded in relationships, culture, and community resilience, IICF works collaboratively with partners, communities, and clients to help advance sustainable, thriving Indigenous futures. Learn more at www.iicf.ca

Funding and Partnership Acknowledgements