Attracting new members rests on becoming more consumer and community-oriented, contends Gordon. Some credit unions remain very much involved in community development. Metro Credit Union, for example, guarantees loans under Toronto's Community Loan Fund. These are loans to local entrepreneurs who want to start or expand a business, but have been unable to get money from other sources. Toronto's Bread and Roses Credit Union is another community-oriented credit union where the flame of social commitment still burns brightly.
Membership includes a broad spectrum of community organizations as well as individuals.
It has made many loans to community-based organizations and businesses which would not otherwise be eligible for bank loans. It supports community economic development in other ways, including participation in a Green Investment Fund to support environmentally sustainable businesses. Member education is another key feature, with workshops offered periodically on topics of interest to small business people and on broader social issues. Other credit unions across Canada also use their financial clout to nurture community development. By offering low-income people help with business planning, training, marketing and other key elements of launching a successful business, Seed Winnipeg helps them break out of the poverty trap.