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How we came to imagine
Imagine
Our StoryWe’ve been here before. In the early 1930s, 25% of Victorians were unemployed. There was a severe housing crisis. The cost of living was skyrocketing. And small local businesses were being forced to close their doors. In the summer of 1931, a group of local citizens recognizing the needs of their neighbours, came together to create the Citizens’ Emergency Relief Fund. In July 1931 alone the Citizens’ Emergency Relief Fund raised more than $50,000. These people realized that taking action was a more powerful response than waiting for the government’s stimulus package to trickle down.Community Micro Lending Society is a 21st century citizens’ response to similar challenges. Community Micro Lending makes small loans to aspiring small-scale local entrepreneurs who don’t qualify for credit from financial institutions. Through these loans and the mentoring and support opportunities that come with them, Community Micro Lending will help to build a vibrant local economy, reduce poverty, foster sustainable business, and empower people. Our Courageous BoardThe Board of Directors is made up of eight courageous folks who imagine a truly innovative approach to community building. They are willing to act. From across sectors, experiences, and ideologies, this founding board is committed to a new model of economic vibrancy and poverty reduction where people and community matter before all else. Stay tuned here for photos and bios to come.Ellen Battle - EconomistJohathan Helm - Regional Sales Manger Vancouver Island, Franklin Templeton InvestmentsCarol-Ann Hilton - MBA, CEO of Transformation, a social and economic development companyMaeve Lydon - Associate Director, Office of Community Based Research, UVICNatasha Reger - Project Manager, The Reger GroupJoshua Schmidt - Social Entrepreneur and Business Development ConsultantJulian Subda - IACRS Consultant, KPMGChris Tilden - Branch Manager Vancity Credit UnionJohn Worton - Lawyer, RetiredOur Passionate StaffLisa Helps, Executive Director lisa_communitymicrolending.caVu Ndlovu, Director, Entrepreneur Support vu_communitymicrolending.caKate Fleming, Director, Youth Micro Lendingkate_communitymicrolending.caWhat we believeCommunity Micro Lending is committed to:1. Building trust between citizens 2. Broadening notions of value and wealth3. Leveraging small opportunities into big benefits 4. Economic development through community investment 5. Supporting place-based economic endeavors 6. Optimizing and enhancing existing community resources 7. Poverty reduction through small loans, mentorship and support 8. Meeting people where they are and not leaving them there 9. Helping individuals and communities to flourish10. Ensuring that everyone involved has an opportunity to sparkle Our Brilliant Community PartnersThe Community Micro Lending Society realizes that the most effective way to create sustainable change in the region and in people's lives is by working in partnership. We have meaningful working relationships with local organizations including Cool Aid, Burnside Gorge Family Self Sufficiency Program, GT Hiring Solutions Job Club, PEERS, VIRCS, Victoria Women’s Transition House, John Howard Society, Bridges for Women, the ICA, the Together Against Poverty Society, Single Family Parents Resource Society, Bridges for Women and we are developing more relationships as you read. All of these organizations are working with potential entrepreneurs and sending them our way. We also have partnerships with Lifecycles Project Society, which is administering our grants and donations in the start-up phase and the Community Council, which is hosting an intern on our behalf (funded by the YWCA Canada). Our Sponsors and SupportersThe United Way of Greater Victoria and the City of Victoria have provided initial funding to get our loan and mentorhship program off the ground. Harbourside Rotary Foundation has supported our mentorship program. The YWCA of Canada has provided a nine month internship through its Youth Eco Internship Program. Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, the United Way of Greater Victoria and private donors provided initial seed funding to develop the program. The Office of Community Based Research at UVic, Continuing Studies at Camosun College, the UVic Business School, the Royal Roads Faculty of Management, and Team M$cro Solution from Leadership Victoria, have all been involved in the work of the Community Micro Lending Society. Vancity Savings Credit union has committed to administer loans in partnership with Community Micro Lending.
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