Welcome To The Ottawa Community Loan Fund!

The Ottawa Community Loan Fund provides short-term loans of up to $15,000 to small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, talented individuals with international training and community groups. OCLF is a unique financing option in the Ottawa, Canada area for people with the dream to make a difference in their own lives; the lives of their family and in their community. By focusing on the micro-credit needs of our community, OCLF contributes to the wider prosperity of the Ottawa area.

Our borrowers are individuals, businesses and groups with good ideas, experience and the energy to go after them. They are willing to take a risk and rely on hard work and dedication to get ahead. Clients of OCLF often lack the income, assets, security or credit history to obtain loans and financing from other sources. The OCLF bridges the gap.

OCLF Loans For Business

OCLF loans are given to businesses and business people with worthwhile business concepts, practical work experience and/or training, and a solid business plan.

OCLF Loans For Internationally-Trained Professionals

OCLF also has a customized loan product for internationally-trained professionals participating in local professional accreditation programs. With this unique loan program the OCLF is helping to meet Ottawa’s critical labour market needs.

ESL Teaching Materials (132KB .pdf)

OCLF Loans For Social Enterprises/Coops

A social enterprise is an earned income business undertaken by an incorporated, not-for-profit, organization or cooperative for the purpose of generating revenue in support of the organization's social mission. OCLF makes loans to these organizations to help them finance their business activities.

In providing loans, the Ottawa Community Loan Fund operates under the philosophy that credit histories and tangible assets are just part of a formula for granting financing. We take the traditional formula further and make it more inclusive by also considering the character, talent and ability of the applicants.

OCLF believes strongly in investing locally by encouraging the business and career dreams of individuals in Ottawa. We also believe everyone deserves a chance to make a living and a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Want to get involved in OCLF? Call! 613.594.3535