Community

News & Events

Investing in our communities.

As a credit union, we put our Members’ money to work in our communities – helping Ontarians to save, own their home sooner, and achieve goals like sending a child to school, launching a business and retiring. We also put our Members’ money to work by establishing partnerships with local community organizations.

Meet Rusul Alrubail, Founder & Executive Director at the Parkdale Centre for Innovation & Alterna Member 5 Years


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).

Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship: A Pathway to Inclusive Wealth


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

Meet Mary Ann Hannant, Co-op Advisor at the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto & Alterna Member


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. 

A Seat at the Table: Equity, Innovation, and Women Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector


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. 

Black History Month Entrepreneur Spotlight: Khadijat Animashaun


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.

Black History Month Entrepreneur Spotlight: Jennifer Winter


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. 

February is Black History Month


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.

International Woman's Day Banner

International Women's Day 2022: Celebrating Women Leaders in the Credit Union Community

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

Black History Month Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Toju Ogbeide, Founder and CEO Goodszilla 

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

Black History Month Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Emefa Kuadey 

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.

Black History Month Banner

February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day

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

Black History Month Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Dupe Akinniyi

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

Jason Baerg

Community Microfinance Success Story

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.

Community Microfinance Success Story

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.

Modupe Uwandul

Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund: Microloan Pilot

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.

CHFT infographic

Alterna extends partnership with CHFT

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.

Woman's day graphic

Overcoming Barriers of Patriarchy in Entrepreneurship

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.

family sitting together on a couch

Honouring the Role of the Black Entrepreneur

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

Honouring Black Entrepreneurs and Families

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.

Small Business Bios

Profiles: Black Owned Businesses

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.

Your financial well-being comes first

Welcome to a better way to bank. Our knowledgeable team puts your financial well-being first with good, caring and transparent advice while offering all the products and services you need.
Stay in touch. Be the first to know about news, promotions and announcements. Signup Now!