How Prince Edward County and Community Futures Work Together
If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like when a municipality and a community development organization work well together, Prince Edward County and Community Futures offer a pretty clear picture. Emily Cowan, Director of Community Services Programs and Initiatives for the County, recently sat down to talk about the partnership—what it is, how it works, and why it matters for local businesses and residents.
The partnership is grounded in strategic alignment. Emily’s department covers a broad range of functions—corporate communications, customer service, community development, and economic development—and Community Futures is a key collaborator across several of those areas. The work isn’t transactional. It’s about identifying shared priorities and building programs that actually serve the people and businesses of Prince Edward County.
One concrete example of how this plays out: Community Futures administers microgrant programs on behalf of the municipality. Rather than duplicating infrastructure, the County leverages Community Futures’ existing relationships and expertise with local businesses. It’s a practical example of a partnership that reduces friction for entrepreneurs and gets resources out the door faster.
Business plan development and small business supports are another key piece. For entrepreneurs starting out or expanding, having access to someone who can help work through projections, identify gaps in a plan, and navigate the application process can make the difference between moving forward and stalling out. Community Futures offers that support in a way that complements rather than competes with the municipality’s own programs.
Then there’s local business financing—arguably the area where Community Futures has the most distinctive impact. Traditional lenders often can’t serve early-stage businesses that don’t yet have the track record or collateral required. Community Futures fills that gap, providing accessible financing to businesses that have a solid idea and a plan but need a lender willing to take a longer view.
What stands out in Emily’s account is how intentional the County has been about using the strategic planning process to strengthen this alignment. Gathering input from community agencies, organizations, and residents isn’t just a procedural step—it’s how the County ensures its priorities actually reflect what people need. That feedback has consistently pointed toward the kind of support Community Futures provides.
The fact that the County’s most recent strategic plan closely aligns with the Thrive PEC strategic plan isn’t a coincidence—it’s the result of years of genuine partnership, shared values, and consistent communication. That kind of alignment doesn’t happen automatically. It has to be built.
For business owners in Prince Edward County, the practical takeaway is straightforward: the supports available to you are more connected than they might appear. When Community Futures helps you with a business plan, or when the County administers a microgrant through their systems, those aren’t isolated transactions. They’re part of a coordinated effort to make this community a place where businesses can start, grow, and stay.
Watch the full conversation with Emily Cowan to hear more about how this partnership works in practice and what it means for the future of business in Prince Edward County.
