About The Money Project

Why it exists, how it works, and who it's for.

Our Mission

The Money Project North is a charitable initiative dedicated to advancing education, supporting entrepreneurship, and helping individuals build economic self-sufficiency in North Bay and surrounding communities.

We exist to make sure good ideas don't die for lack of support. We believe North Bay has talented, hardworking people who face real barriers to getting started — and we're here to help them take the first step.

Why We Exist

Getting started is hard enough. But for a lot of people in Northern Ontario, the first wall they hit isn't motivation or ideas — it's money, and the networks to access it.

Banks want track records. Government programs have complicated requirements and long timelines. And if you don't have connections or a mentor who's been through it, you can end up stuck before you've even started.

That's the gap we're here to close. Every loan comes from The Money Project's private fund. When it's repaid, it goes straight to the next person. No fundraising cycles, no board approvals, no red tape. Local money, moving through local hands, building something real.

"Good ideas shouldn't die because someone couldn't get access to a small amount of capital at the right moment."

— The Money Project North

Who We Support

The Money Project North supports aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals facing barriers to accessing traditional financing as they pursue self-employment or start-up ventures in North Bay and surrounding communities.

We focus on individuals at the earliest stages of their entrepreneurial journey, including those developing a business idea or launching a new venture.

Support is intended to help participants build economic self-sufficiency and access opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable to them.

You may be a good fit if:

  • You're an aspiring entrepreneur developing an idea or launching a new venture

  • Your venture creates a real benefit for the North Bay community

  • You're based in North Bay or the District of Nipissing

  • You're working toward self-employment and economic self-sufficiency

  • You face barriers to accessing financing from a bank or other traditional lender

  • You're open to mentorship and honest feedback

We don't have a rigid checklist. If you're on the fence about whether this is for you, reach out — we'll tell you honestly.

Funding and Support

The Money Project North may provide grants, interest-free loans, mentorship, and practical guidance to eligible participants.

Financial assistance is tailored to individual circumstances and is intended to help participants overcome barriers to starting or developing sustainable livelihoods.

Where appropriate, recipients may also receive guidance regarding government programs and community resources.

Grants & Interest-Free Loans

Real funding — interest-free loans and, where appropriate, grants — tailored to your circumstances and repaid on terms agreed upon at approval. The goal is to give you room to get started, not add pressure.

Mentorship & Strategic Guidance

Direct access to experienced entrepreneurs and professionals who've built real businesses. This isn't generic advice — it's specific, honest guidance from people who've made the same calls you're facing.

Financial Literacy & Education

One-on-one sessions and practical workshops that help you understand your numbers, think through decisions, and build a business that holds up over time.

Local Network Access

Introductions to lawyers, accountants, marketers, and other local professionals — many of whom offer reduced rates to our entrepreneurs. The right connection at the right time can change things.

Grants & Government Programs

Most people don't know how much support is available if you know where to look. We help you find grants, government programs, and community resources, apply for them, and take the next steps toward self-sufficiency.

Why We're Different

No bureaucracy

Every decision is made directly by our founder. No committee, no scoring rubric, no approval chain — just a real person reading your application and making a call.

Every application reviewed personally

You get a real answer from a real person who actually read what you sent.

Genuinely local

This money comes from North Bay and stays in North Bay. When loans are repaid, they fund the next entrepreneur here.

Built as a bridge

The goal is to help you reach the next stage: bank financing, government programs, and community resources. We're a stepping stone toward self-sufficiency, not a long-term dependency.

How We're Funded

The Money Project North is a privately funded charitable initiative — no complicated structures, no strings. When loans are repaid, that money goes directly into new loans for the next person. Local money, recycled within the community, for as long as it keeps going.

0%

Interest on every loan

100%

Recycled when repaid

Local

Money stays in North Bay

Ready to Start a Conversation?

The application is straightforward and personal. There's no algorithm — just a real person who'll read what you send.

Apply for a Loan