Interested in starting or growing a small business, but having difficulty with financing? A micro loan may be the answer. 

You may qualify for our micro financing programs. Join us to learn more about this opportunity for individuals who do not qualify under traditional lending guidelines. 

Since 2000, Alterna Savings has provided small business loans of up to $15,000 to individuals with strong business plans who are unable to access traditional financing to start a business.  

Since 2009, Rise Asset Development has provided entrepreneurs with mentorship and micro financing up to $25,000 – with average initial financing of $5,000. 

During this seminar, participants will learn about micro finance eligibility criteria, the process of accessing financing, technical aspects of loan disbursements, as well as tips and tricks every entrepreneur should know to run a successful small business.  

The Alterna Savings Community Micro Finance Program in support of Rise Asset Development and in partnership with the Ottawa Community Loan Fund is designed to provide options and hope for individuals who would not qualify for credit through traditional financial institutions. These are generally small loans provided for working capital with access to potentially larger loans in the future. 

Great potential – and more importantly, results – is demonstrated by the entrepreneurs that participate in the micro finance programs.  We know that individuals may not have a clean credit history because of previous situations, and we take this into consideration while looking at each entrepreneur individually. 

Speaker’s Bios 

Danielle Kuczer is the Community Micro Loan Coordinator at Alterna Savings for the National Capital Region. Previously she was a Business Advisor and was the Facilitator of a small business mentoring program.  With over 15 years’ experience working with entrepreneurs in various capacities, Danielle draws from her sales, marketing and business development background, as well as her professional experience in the banking, retail and restaurant industries, to provide practical business advice and guidance to entrepreneurs. 

Andrew Riddick is working to expand the Rise Asset Development program to the Ottawa region, as an Outreach and Loan Officer. He lends his experience in business and finance from the Sprott School of Business to entrepreneurs in the Rise program.