About The Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF)

What We Do

The Ottawa Community Loan Fund is committed to being responsive to the ever-changing community development financing needs of Ottawa and its people. As opportunities arise where OCLF can help individuals with self-employment, self-reliance and contribute to a stronger community, we are always ready to answer the call.

Helping Small Business Since Day One

OCLF was originally created to help aspiring entrepreneurs establish and expand their businesses with access to business financing, not available from traditional sources. When the Canadian Youth Business Foundation came looking for an Ottawa partner for its small business-lending program for young entrepreneurs, the Ottawa Community Loan Fund was there.

Building Professional Talent In Our Community

When a group of internationally-trained teaching professionals were in danger of not being able to complete their Canadian accreditation program due to an inability to access financial assistance, OCLF created an innovative new loan product especially designed for internationally-trained professionals, including teachers, nurses and bio-tech workers.

Assisting Community Groups

The Ottawa Community Loan Fund has just made its first loan to an Ottawa-based social enterprise/co-op, and we expect to offer more financial assistance to this important community sector in the future.