Community First Development Fund of Saskatoon

Barriers to mainstream financing that can be overcome by Community First include:

• a shortage of collateral, income or guarantors to secure start-up loans
• an absence of cash or other assets to invest as owner equity
• a need for comparatively long payback periods
• lack of operating experience
• the unconventional nature of a project

Eligibility Criteria

Community First provides financing on commercial and social projects such as:

• worker, consumer, and marketing co-ops
• community-based businesses and organizations such as small partnerships, cottage industries and student businesses
• social-purpose enterprises and community services, like day care, training, peer counseling, recreational and advocacy programs
• affordable housing, inner-city home projects, seniors housing and supported housing for people with physical disabilities or medical impairment

Eligible Area

Saskatoon

Summary

Community First offers a variety of financing options to suit individual needs.  Loan guarantees are offered generally in the range of $10,000 to $75,000.  For some applicants, they will also consider direct loans or equity investments.

Saskatchewan Contact(s):
Ms. Barbara Henderson
Executive Director
Community First Development Fund of Saskatoon
309 - 22nd Street East
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan  S7K 0G7
Telephone: (306) 934-4177
Fax: (306) 934-5490
E-mail: CommunityFirst@saskatooncreditunion.com