Neighbours Investing in Neighbours
Many of our neighbours are stuck in financial survival mode, working hard but never quite getting ahead. That's why DWCC and our partners are committed to creating local, achievable pathways toward financial freedom, and supporting local wherever we can.
Economic opportunity consistently ranks as one of the top priorities residents surface for making Downtown Windsor a better place to live.The resources on this page are a good place to start.
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Small, accessible loans to help you launch or grow a business idea.
Programs inside and outside DWCC to help you thrive.
Connect your talents and tools to earning/sharing opportunities in your neighbourhood.
Champion neighbourhood businesses that reinvest in the community.
These priorities were informed by feedback in formal and informal conversations with downtown residents.
Libro Credit Union Microloans
Are you a neighbour living in the Downtown Windsor core area?
Would a small, <$1000 loan help propel your new side hustle? Or are you looking for relief from bills and other finances?
A microloan may be able to help.
Unlike predatory high-interest loans, microloans are relationship-based, with personalized repayment plans, financial workshops, monthly check-ins and no interest, ensuring the money does what it’s meant to do: support your goals, not create more debt.
Made possible by Libro Credit Union, microloans offer a different path than traditional lending, built on trust, relationships, and mutual accountability.
This program is already helping neighbours take first steps toward small-business ventures or catch up on expenses in the downtown core.
Get a taste of our Microloans program at WINGS Cafe
“The sweet taste of our homeland, Afghanistan, is now packaged for you to take home! “The Sweet Carrot Jam” 🫙 🥕
At WINGS, we support young women in turning their passions, interests, and skills into economic entrepreneurship initiatives.
So, 10 months ago, we brought a recipe from our home to WINGS Cafe. After the positive reception from our customers and the support of the rest of the WINGS team and a microloan from @dwcc_windsor -P2P, we launched “Sweet Carrot Jam,” a taste of our homeland, Afghanistan. We haven’t added any preservatives or artificial sweeteners, just the flavor of sweet carrots and the homemade techniques we grew up with.
Now available at WINGS CAFE. Thank you for supporting us in this economic entrepreneurship adventure! 🫶🏽”
- Farahnaz and Sitarah
Eligibility Requirements
Resident of the Downtown Windsor core (see map)
Connected to the DWCC community, either through our network or with 2 references
Willingness to attend monthly check-ins to review progress and discuss any needed changes
Completion of an 8-session financial workshop series (1 hour/week)
Got questions? Email p2p@dwcc.ca for more details.
Financial & Employment Community Resources
Financial Literacy Workshops
Financial literacy workshops are a requirement for our Microloans participants, but they’re also available to the public free of charge!
Participant Testimonials:
“Some information was an eye opener.”
“It’s got me thinking that what I thought wasn’t possible might actually be possible.”
We wrapped up our last 8-week session in April.
Get notified when we next run sessions by reaching out to p2p@dwcc.ca.
Libro Credit Union provided financial literacy courses at DWCC free of charge to our downtown neighbours & microloan recipients.
For Job Seekers
Windsor Regional Employment Network (WRE Network) is our locally-focused employment services for job seekers, employers, and community partners. Canadians & permanent residents over 18 years of age can get tailored employment help and supports:
Follow them on social media to get updates on job fairs and other events/resources!
For Young Entrepenerus
The Bridge Youth Resources Centre offers the Take Your Shot program to Windsor-Essex youth ages 17-29 who have business ideas they want to start or grow.
Applications close in May. Reach out to the Resource Centre for more information.
Support Bruce Park Village Businesses
This spot is reserved for you!
If you have a business, be it a storefront or a side hustle, that you would like featured here, please complete the form at this link: