Credit unions and job creation
Publisher: Centre for Co-operative Studies, National University of Ireland
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Cork
Number of pages: 35
Description: This report is designed as a discussion document for all credit union practitioners and aims to examine the issues of credit union involvement in local job creation. It explains some of the basic needs of small community-based businesses and presents some arguments as to why credit unions should get involved in assisting these businesses and thereby aid local job creation.
The report is based on a detailed research survey of twenty Irish credit unions, half of which are actively involved in local job creation, although all of the credit unions surveyed lend to local business. Four of the credit unions operate loan venture funds and two have established enterprise centres. A number of the credit unions have given once-off donations in support of local job creation initiatives.