Since 1993, the heart of West Toronto has benefited from the presence of the Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre (CONC). Providing supports to the underserved, their goal is to uplift and empower the most vulnerable members of the community, including Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.

Through Alterna’s Community Microfinance Program we have the privilege to meet and work with some amazing women, including Rusul Alrubail, the visionary founder behind the Parkdale Centre for Innovation (Parkdale Centre).

When we envision entrepreneurship, we often picture the inception of a business, the challenges of navigating market dynamics, and the potential for financial gain. 

As we honour International Women’s Day, Alterna is thrilled to spotlight an extraordinary Alterna Member of over 30 years whose passion and leadership have truly made a difference in her community every step of the way. 

In recognition of International Women's Day, join us in conversation with six innovative leaders in the nonprofit sector that are working towards advancing equity and empowerment for women. 

Khadijat Animashaun is the President and founder of Maximum Clean Canada Inc. a service providing hassle-free cleaning for the retail, commercial and residential markets in Hamilton, through highly trained, vetted and insured cleaning staff.

Jennifer Winter is the founder and creator of Have a Nice Day Pilates, Toronto's first Black-owned pilates studio and on-demand movement platform. 

Alterna is proud to work alongside Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities to address socio-economic inequity, build wealth, positively impact individuals and businesses, and create tools and solutions to help address the economic gaps the Black community faces.

This International Women's Day (IWD), Alterna Savings is proud to celebrate the achievements and contributions of exceptional women leaders in the Credit Union community.

Toju Ogbeide knew from an early age that he wanted to help people. He uses education and experience in Information and technology to build technical solutions to everyday problems.

Emefa Kuadey is a British-born Ghanaian fashion designer and the founder of israella KOBLA, a luxury made-to-order clothing and accessories brand that “redefines minimalism.

Alterna Savings invites you to celebrate Black History Month with us all February long. This year's theme, February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day, is being examined through the lens of Black entrepreneurship and financial empowerment.

Dupe Akinniyi is the founder of Montessori Box, a bilingual curated box company providing Montessori materials for children from 0 to 10 years old.

Indigenous artist Jason Baerg credits his work with Alterna’s Community Microfinancing Program with helping him to get where he is today. This interview also highlights how our program supports diversity in the arts, especially in urban centers.

Early in their careers, Sergio and Alessandra received funding through Alterna's Community Microfinance program. We had a chance to talk to them about their experience Alterna, and how it has impacted their careers and lives.

Alterna is excited to introduce Modupe Uwandulu, our first Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund recipient! Modupe shares her journey and talks about how this funding has helped her grow her small business.

This 25-year-old partnership positions Alterna as one of the first financial institutions to provide dedicated support to Ontario’s co-op housing sector.

In recognition of International Women's Day, Alterna Savings invites you to join our panel of guest speakers for an online interactive event to find solutions to and unpack the role patriarchy plays in the lives of women and women-identifying entrepreneurs.

Alterna’s Community Impact team and a panel of Black entrepreneurs explore ways to overcome systemic barriers to funding and success. 

Alterna Savings (Alterna) invites you to celebrate Black History Month with us all February long. This year’s theme, The Black Family, is being examined through the lens of Black entrepreneurship and how it impacts Black families.

Alterna is proud to be working alongside BIPOC communities to improve economic equality and representation. Learn more about the difference that Alterna’s Microfinance Loan program is having in the lives of Black business owners.