2004– 2005
Small Business Month activities were many and varied, culminating with our second annual Mystery Shopper Awards presentation at our offices.

The official opening of the Business Enterprise Centre, Satellite Office was held.

2003– 2004
A formal Communications Plan was developed, including advertising, brochures and our website. Brochures were delivered, by staff, to various communities throughout Chatham-Kent. October, Small Business Month, was very active in advertising and promotion. In partnership with Essex CFDC, we held our first Mystery Shopper Challenge.

A Letter of Agreement between the Chatham-Kent Business Self Help Office and Community Futures was developed, for the purpose of setting up a satellite office of the Business Self-Help Office at Community Futures offices.

2002– 2003
The Business Incubator Program no longer qualified for funding under HRDC's Local Labour Market Program. No new manufacturing businesses began under this program.

2001 – 2002
Under direction from Industry Canada and in order to have a Common Identifier for all Community Futures offices, in June of 2001 the Corporation adopted a new logo and changed their name, once again, to Community Futures Development Corporation of Chatham-Kent.

2000 – 2001
An Export Advisor was hired under a short term contract to assist local small business in developing export opportunities.

A $50,000 grant was provided to assist with development of the J.W. Burgess Centre for Skills Training in Wallaceburg.

In June, 2000 the 15,000 square foot Canadian Tire building in Blenheim was purchased and the C/KBCDC was moved to the site.

1998 – 1999
In June, 1998 the C/KBCDC received Industry Canada approval to provide to a maximum of $125,000 per loan client.

In April, 1999 the Entrepreneurial Manufacturing Generator Program was initiated with its first client.

1997 – 1998
The C/KBCDC contracted with the Ontario Skills Development Branch for a Self-Employment Assistance Program Survey.

1995 – 1996
The Federal Government mandated the amalgamation of the C.F.C. and the B.D.C. into one organization. The C.F.C. was dissolved. The Chatham/Kent Small Business Support Corporation once again had its Letters Patent changed. The new name was the Chatham/Kent Business and Community Development Corporation.

During this same period a new sub-committee, Agri-Development Kent (A.D.K.) was instituted to work in the agricultural area.

1994 – 1995
The C.F.C. assisted in the funding of a project to erect signage for the Black Heritage Tour Program.

1993 – 1994
The C.F.C. set up a sub-committee, The Chatham Ethanol Consortium, to assist in the development of a study which eventually resulted in the construction of the Ethanol Plant.

1989 – 1990
The B.D.C. had it Letters Patent changed to the Chatham/Kent Small Business Support Corporation.

1987 – 1988 (Year 2)
Kent County was designated as a Community Futures Program area. The role of the Small Business Support Corporation was included under the auspices of the Community Futures Committee (C.F.C.) and was now called the Business Development Corporation (B.D.C.). In addition, the B.D.C. was now expanded to serve all of Chatham-Kent and to make loans of up to $75,000.

The C.F.C. applied for funding for the Chatham Riverfront Development Project. Over the next three years a total of $4.6 million was provided for the redevelopment along the riverfront between Sixth Street and the Chatham Civic Centre.

The C.F.C. obtained its Letters Patent in June, 1987.

1986 – 1987 (Year 1)
The Chatham Small Business Support Corporation, servicing the City of Chatham and making loans of up to $25,000 was incorporated on April 25, 1986.

1985 – 1986
A standing committee was set up under the L.E.A.D. (Local Employment Assistance and Development) Program. This committee applied for funding for a Business Support Corporation.