Our History
OCLF’s work targets marginalized individuals, newcomers, and those trying to establish a small business who are not eligible for traditional financing. OCLF has grown to expand its services to also assist internationally trained professionals, in gaining their Canadian accreditation, including the financing required, while working with 3 community partners in delivering this program with full wrap-around support services to ensure success.
OCLF was formally launched in July 2000 to fill the social-financing gap within the local community. It started out with a dedicated working Board and a single staff member. Today, the team is eight strong and continues to be supported by an active Board.
Over the years, OCLF has actively participated in enhancing community economic development (CED) in the Ottawa area. Since inception, OCLF has provided through our banking partners over 200 microloans, totalling approximately $2 million, with a greater than 95% repayment rate.
OCLF has constantly pursued its overarching goal; to ensure its loan recipients eventually have access to traditional financing, increase their assets and/or achieve professional development.
Recent Activities
Indo-Canada Ottawa Business Chamber (ICOBC) Award , 2022
Home-Based Business (HBB) Graduation Ceremony, 2022
