Our Story
ACCESS Community Capital Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive economies by providing access to financial resources and support to historically, economically marginalized communities.
ACCESS began as a community initiative in Toronto’s Riverdale neighbourhood in 1999 to support struggling small business owners, expanding to serve the Greater Toronto Area as a microcredit community organization 10 years later. Over our 24-year history as a micro-lending organization, we’ve learned firsthand that our lending to marginalized communities required added support in order to make a lasting impact on our Clients’ lives.
As a result, ACCESS developed wraparound support services through coaching, mentoring, and educational workshops for loan recipients and other aspiring entrepreneurs. Now, ACCESS provides a full suite of programs designed to nourish and support aspiring entrepreneurs, help build confidence, and provide clients access to the resources and skills needed to kickstart their future.
Our Mission
ACCESS creates economic opportunities by removing barriers to entrepreneurship through financing, education and mentorship.
ACCESS is committed to building a society where everyone has access to the resources they need to achieve their financial and entrepreneurial goals.
Our VISION
Our Board
Jay Oduwole
Co-chair
Katherine Pressnail
Co-chair
Chinedu Nwaodua
Treasurer
Alex Ciancio
Director
Ammara Shirazi
Director
Katrina Kairys
Director
Helen Y. He
Director
Tal Schwartz
Director
Leslie Jamison
Director
Our Staff
Jessica Kronis
Chief Executive Officer
Otis Mushonga
Director, Programs and Partnerships
Ruqia Karimi
Program Coordinator
Marie John
Coordinator, Volunteer Engagement
Ashley Cave
Communications Coordinator
