Canadian Community Loan Funds Can Be Sources of Start Up Money Do you want to start your own business but don't have the money it takes to make money? Have you tried to get a small business loan from a bank or credit union and been turned down because you don't have enough collateral or sufficient credit history? You may be able to get the start up money you need from a Canadian Community Investment Fund. Community Investment Funds are non-profit organizations dedicated to helping people who can't get the loans they need to get on their feet from a traditional lending institution (such as a bank or credit union), often because they don't have the credit history or collateral that a traditional lending institution demands. Some of these Community Loan Funds will also assist people with poor credit histories (although they will likely insist that you go through credit counselling). So if you have no credit history or collateral because of divorce, because you're a new immigrant or because you're young, or if you have a poor credit rating because of repayment issues, your local Community Loan Fund may be willing to give you a small business loan. Your business venture has to be local, though. Community Investment Funds get their working capital from their own communities. While a particular fund may have some government support, typically the bulk of the loan funds come from investments solicited from churches, service groups, and local businesses. Different Community Loan Funds have