Access Community Capital Fund

ACCESS Community Capital Fund was formed in 1999 to help promising entrepreneurs with viable business plans gain access to financing not available through other sources. Individual loans are made using a character based lending decision, where the abilities, skills and commitment of the applicant in conjunction with the strength of the business plan are key decision criteria.

ACCESS funds are used to guarantee loans through partner financial institutions, Alterna Savings and CIBC. The guarantee fund was created through community investments from socially minded individuals, organizations and businesses.

Mission:

ACCESS Community Capital Fund facilitates loans and support to individuals facing financial barriers.

Vision:

All individuals in our community are given the opportunity to improve their income with the goal of achieving financial security through sustainable employment, including self-employment.

Values:

ACCESS is a registered charity committed to:
• Social and economic equity
• Customer service
• Collaboration
• Accountability and transparency
• Flexibility and innovation
• Community focus
• Fiscal responsibility

Loans For Training

Do you need training or professional certification in order to get a better job?

ACCESS Community Capital Fund can help you with a loan of up to $5,000, even if your credit history isn't great.

Loans For Training - Eligibility Criteria:

Must be 18 years of age or older;
Must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Convention Refugee,
with the legal right to work in Canada;
Must live within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA);
Must be low-income (based on Statistics Canada's household Low-Income Measures thresholds);
Must be in good standing with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA):
Up to date on your taxes and not owing
OR
Have a payment plan in place with CRA and have made at least 3 consecutive monthly payments;
Must meet the criteria for low-income based on the Low-Income Measures thresholds (based on Notice of Assessment from CRA);
Must not be in active bankruptcy or consumer proposal
Or have been discharged for at least six months (we will need to see discharge papers);

Application Documents:
To apply, please submit the following documents by email to [email protected].

- Completed application and necessary supporting documents

Required Documents:

Two (2) government issued IDs: e.g. driver’s license, passport and/or PR card
Proof of residence, e.g. utility or phone bill;
Current Resume or work history;
Letter of enrollment into training program or course and cost info
or Quotation(s) for tools, equipment or business related costs;
Three references (no family members please);
Credit report;
We may require a credit report prior to disbursing the loan;
We may require proof of income;
We will require receipt of purchase made with the loan.
Must demonstrate at least one of the following:
Acceptance into a training program and cost of training program;
A job offer;
Need for tools and/or equipment, together with cost;
Need for small business products/supplies, marketing material or equipment;

For more information, please contact Otis Mushonga: [email protected]
(416) 462 - 0496