Credit & Social Enterprises: How to Get Investment Ready
This presentation is designed to empower social entrepreneurs by providing the essential knowledge and practical tools required to become investment ready and successfully access financing. This session will guide you through the lending process, introduce you to the different types of credit available, and explain the factors that influence lending decisions. Our goal is to ensure you understand not only how to secure funding that aligns with your mission and impact, but also how to prepare your enterprise for investment and build strong relationships with financial institutions.
Workshop
How Financial Institutions Lend
Understanding the general lending process and how lending decisions are made.
The Five C’s of Lending:
Capacity
Character
Collateral
Capital
Conditions
Learn how each criteria is evaluated and why it matters to lenders
Financing for Social Enterprises
Explore unique considerations and opportunities for mission-driven organizations seeking capital
Types of Financing Instruments
Lines of Credit vs. Term Loans – Understand the differences, use cases, and best practices for each
What Lenders Look For
Insights into loan purpose, risk assessment, and borrower readiness
Why Financing May Be Better Than Waiting for Grants
Examine the opportunity costs of delaying growth while waiting for grants and discover how timely financing can drive momentum and sustainability
Understanding Your Personal Credit
How your personal credit history can impact lending decisions for early-stage or smaller social enterprises
Strategies for managing and improving your credit profile
Presenter Bio
Jean Barrett brings over 25+ years of banking experience in the Retail and Commercial sectors. As the Manager of Alterna Savings’ award-winning Community Microfinance Program, she oversees eight community microloan portfolios and manages 250+ small business borrowers in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa Region annually.
Certified in financial literacy, Jean advises individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, and she frequently speaks on business planning, credit, budgeting, and financing. She also supports our Community Loan Fund partnerships.