About Community Futures Central Island
Big ideas deserve more than a place in your head.
Since 1985, Community Futures Central Island has helped local entrepreneurs take the next step, whether that means opening the doors for the first time, buying a business, adding equipment, improving a space, introducing new technology, or growing into something bigger.
We are not a traditional lender, and that is the point.
We take time to understand the person behind the business, the opportunity behind the numbers, and what it will take to make the plan work. Our financing is flexible, our advice is practical, and our focus is local.
Need funding for equipment, renovations, working capital, technology, or a business purchase? We may be able to help. We can also work alongside banks, credit unions, and other Community Futures offices to build a financing package that fits.
The results speak for themselves.
As of June 2025, Community Futures Central Island has:
But the real story is bigger than the numbers. It is the café that opened its doors. The contractor who bought the equipment needed to grow. The owner who purchased a business instead of watching it close. The entrepreneur who had a strong idea and finally found someone willing to listen.
We serve businesses across Central Vancouver Island, from Ladysmith to Bowser, Whiskey Creek to Gabriola and Lasqueti Island, and the communities in between.
As a local non-profit developmental lender, we measure success differently. When a local business grows stronger, creates jobs, supports families, and gives back to its community, everyone benefits.
Your idea could be the next success story we help move forward.
Our Staff
Jolynn Green
Executive Director (16 years with CFCI)
Jolynn brings decades of experience in business development, community economic development and entrepreneurship to Community Futures Central Island. Her connection to Community Futures began in the early 1990s while working as a Chamber Manager, and her career has since focused on helping businesses and communities navigate opportunities and change.
With experience as both a business owner and organizational leader, Jolynn brings particular strengths in change management, systems thinking, strategic facilitation and relationship building. She is a natural connector who enjoys bringing people, ideas and resources together to solve challenges and create opportunities.
At the heart of her approach is a belief that strong relationships, thoughtful engagement and service are essential to building stronger businesses and communities.
Kelly McBride
Business Development & Credit Officer (10 years with CFCI)
Kelly brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the non-profit, public and private sectors, with a background spanning finance, strategic planning, organizational leadership and program development.
As Business Development & Credit Officer, Kelly works with entrepreneurs to understand their financing needs, assess business opportunities and navigate the Community Futures lending process. She brings a practical, relationship-focused approach to working with business owners and understands that every financing request has a story behind the numbers.
Her previous executive leadership experience includes managing large teams and multimillion-dollar budgets, securing government and private funding, and developing programs and partnerships that support economic and community development. Kelly is particularly passionate about helping local entrepreneurs identify opportunities, strengthen their plans and make informed business decisions.
Darcy Irwin
Office Administrator (2 Years with CFCI)
Darcy brings experience in financial administration, bookkeeping, client service and community development to his role as Office Administrator at Community Futures Central Island. He supports CFCI's day-to-day operations, financial administration and loan-related processes while helping ensure clients have a welcoming and positive experience with the organization.
Darcy also brings a strong background in equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, with experience as a consultant, coach and community advocate. His approach is grounded in respect, collaboration and creating spaces where people feel comfortable asking questions and accessing support.
With experience spanning administration, finance and community building, Darcy plays an important role in keeping CFCI's operations running smoothly while supporting the entrepreneurs and communities the organization serves.
Our Board
Our volunteer Board of Directors provides local leadership, governance, and strategic guidance for Community Futures Central Island.
Kerriann Coady
Board Chair
Kerriann Coady is Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Home Builders' Association of Vancouver Island, where she advocates for the residential construction industry and works extensively in government relations and housing policy. She brings strong experience in leadership, industry advocacy and community engagement to the CFCI Board and values the opportunity to support entrepreneurs as they build and grow local businesses.
Bridget Warner
Director
Bridget Warner is a Management Consultant with Sharpline Management Inc. and has worked with organizations across a wide range of sectors since 2008. She brings expertise in data strategy, business intelligence, analysis and management consulting, supported by an MBA in Executive Management from Royal Roads University. Bridget is passionate about strong relationships, curiosity and supporting the local businesses that contribute to vibrant communities.
Sandy Herle
Director
Sandy Herle is an accomplished entrepreneur and community leader who founded Close To You in Parksville in 1991. Her experience spans business ownership, financial management and municipal leadership, including service as Mayor of Parksville. Sandy has also held leadership roles with several regional business and tourism organizations and brings decades of practical small-business experience to the CFCI Board.
Steve Atkinson
Director
Steve Atkinson is a Vancouver Island entrepreneur and business owner with decades of experience across business development, agriculture, aquaculture, property management and community leadership. His background gives him a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by small businesses, particularly in rural and Island communities.
Steve brings that experience to the Board of Community Futures Central Vancouver Island, where he is passionate about supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening local businesses and contributing to sustainable economic development across the region.
Jennifer Fowler
Director
Jennifer Fowler is Executive Director of Inclusion Parksville and brings extensive experience in communications, executive leadership, diversity and inclusion, and non-profit management. She holds a Master's degree in Intercultural and International Communications and a business management certificate. Jennifer also has a longstanding connection to Community Futures, having worked with Community Futures Port Alberni early in her career supporting youth entrepreneurship.
Hollie Quiring
Director
Hollie Quiring is an experienced financial services professional with nearly 20 years of experience in banking, lending and relationship management. As a Relationship Manager with RBC Business Markets, she works closely with small business owners across Vancouver Island, providing financial guidance and lending solutions to support their growth.
Hollie has been involved with Community Futures since 2021, first serving on the Loans Committee before joining the Board of Directors. She brings strong experience in business lending, financial analysis and risk assessment, along with a genuine interest in community economic development. Hollie is passionate about supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening connections across the Central Vancouver Island business community.
Our Accountability
We are a community-based, non-profit society governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. As a part of the Community Futures network across Canada, our operations are funded through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). We are committed to transparency in our lending practices and community activities, ensuring that every dollar invested works toward strengthening the Central Island economy.
Performance Indicators
Audited Financial Statements
Redress & Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. We adhere to strict federal and provincial privacy legislation (PIPEDA and PIPA) to protect the personal and financial information you share with us. Should you have concerns regarding our services or the outcome of a loan application, we maintain a clear redress process to ensure your voice is heard and issues are addressed fairly and promptly.