Research the possibility of Local Investing on Salt Spring - alternative banking models for community investment.
George Washington University
Research the possibility of Local Investing on Salt Spring - alternative banking models for community investment.
Client: Jim Standen (Initiator) and Ellie Parks ? (on-site, subject to course dates)
Details:There are several existing local funding agencies on the island including the SSI Monetary Fund which has created our local Salt Spring Island currency, and the Salt Spring Foundation. They serve as either lending agencies (providing low or no-cost loans) or granting agencies. In addition, there are conventional banks and credit unions. However, there are new approaches to community banking (micro-credit is one) that could be successful on the island given the proactive stance of the various agencies. Students will initially research and investigate the advantages, disadvantages, successes and failures or other unconventional island or community based lending and granting systems. They will then meet with local financial leaders to discuss existing programs and and the introduction of potential new, innovative and untested opportunities and investigate the option of the creation of a new organization body and structure
Interviews:
1. Financial Leaders (person indicated or designate)