Saint John Community Loan Fund Micro-Loans
Microloans and back-to-work loans to support individuals creating income and building self-reliance in the Saint John region.
About this program
The Saint John Community Loan Fund (operating as Kaleidoscope) is a community-based micro-lender that has rotated approximately $200,000 in pooled community funds since 1999. It offers business micro-loans (with an average investment size of approximately $18,000), back-to-work loans, and damage deposit loans to people in the Saint John region. Loans are paired with financial literacy training, enterprise development training, and transition-to-work training. The Fund also delivers the Enterprising Women business accelerator program. It also serves as a community development corporation with a mission of poverty reduction.
Eligibility
Individuals in the Saint John region seeking to create income, build assets, or attain self-reliance. Particularly focused on those facing barriers to traditional financing, including low-income individuals, women, and people transitioning to work. Both startup and existing micro-businesses are eligible.
Requirements
- Located in the Saint John region
- Business plan or work plan
- Demonstrated need for accessible financing