Nickolass van der Velde on Impact Loan

Nickolass vander Velde, Julie Forester and Michelle Quintyn from Goodwill explained the Impact Loan program which we are starting up. The program started in 2012 and was refocused in 2016 and aimed at entrepreneurs needing a helping hand and some mentoring.  Since the refocusing, 33 loans have been arranged and 20 are still open.  38 jobs have been created taking some 14 individuals off Ontario Works.  It is estimated potential saving to the Ontario Government from the program equals $200,000.  More importantly individuals in the program are contributing members of our community.  Participants say benefits of the program include increased self confidence, new skills, and networking opportunities.  Some of the success stories include an entrepreneur establishing a fashion design business and a person establishing a tattoo business that employs others as well.