The revolutionary Remarkable Micro-Loan program was launched by BC’s credit unions to help young people kick start their future. People like you. And we’re not looking for the perfect credit score, either. Just a remarkable idea. Send us yours, and you could be approved for a flexible, low interest micro-loan of up to $5,000 to help get it off the ground.

There is no catch. We simply want to give great ideas the credit they deserve. For too long, loans have been approved on the strength of a person’s credit history, instead of the quality of their ideas. Through this micro-loan, succesful applicants will be working toward their goals and building a solid credit history at the same time. Everybody wins.

• Since this micro-loan can start at just a few hundred dollars, it can be used for things you might not actually consider getting a regular loan for.
• It’s not based on traditional lending criteria either – we’re offering micro-loans based on the quality of your remarkable idea. Unlike regular loans, you don’t need a credit history or assets to qualify for the Remarkable Micro-Loan.
• It's low-interest and has a flexible repayment schedule. The interest rate is Prime +1%, and for the first 24 months, you’ll only need to make payments on the interest portion of the loan.
• You’ll get the financial support and trusted guidance from a credit union to help you pay back the loan – and you’ll also be working toward building a solid credit history at the same time.
• The Remarkable Micro-Loan program was designed to generate social change and improve the communities where you live. The loan will give you a boost in achieving your remarkable idea, while making British Columbia a better place for all of us.

Whatever your remarkable idea is, we want to hear it. We’re especially interested in ideas that contribute to social change, or ideas that help better your community. It could be a large scale entrepreneurial venture, or something far simpler or more personal. Try us out. Tell us what’s remarkable to you, and we’ll let you know if we’re on board.

Indeed you do. The loans are offered at lower than average rates, and you only need to pay the interest for the first 24 months – after which regular payments begin. The credit union distributing the loan will help you develop a payment schedule that works best for you.

Unfortunately, Remarkable Micro-Loan applications cannot be submitted on behalf of organizations or multiple people. You will need to select a primary borrower, and they will need to apply.

We'd like you to think about all your ideas and send us your best one. If you need to change anything on your previous submission, send us an email (using the form below), quoting the application number you received when you submitted your application, and we’ll follow up with you directly.

All applications will be kept anonymous, and a group of BC credit union representatives will review the submissions anonymously and select the most deserving applications. Ultimately it’s based on the quality of the idea.

All applicants, whether or not they’re successful, will be notified. Even if you’re not approved for a Remarkable Micro-Loan, we welcome you to speak with your nearest credit union to see how else they can help. See the Branch Locator to find a credit union near you.

Absolutely. If you're approved for a micro-loan we can set you up at a credit union branch that is nearest you. If you're already a member of a credit union in BC, we'll have the micro-loan set up at your home branch.

While we welcome you to visit your local credit union, all micro-loan applications must be received through beremarkable.com.

A credit union is just like a bank, only better. Like, a million times better. It offers everything a bank offers and more, plus anyone can join.

At credit unions, you’re not treated differently depending on the size of your bank account, your age, or your credit history. Every member becomes a shareholder – that means equal share, equal vote, and equal say.

Credit unions are member-focused and community minded. They’re not just about profit, which means the money they make is shared with local communities and members like you.

Absolutely. Credit unions are proud to offer exceptional personalized services and competitive interest rates along with a wide range of financial products designed to complement a variety of member needs.

These include: chequing and savings accounts, credit cards, ATM cards, student loans, mortgages, RRSPs, financial planning, and much more.

When you join a credit union, you become a member and an owner. You’re more important than the size of your wallet and your voice counts. As an automatic shareholder, you get a say in how things are run and where your money goes. You can even run for a position on the Board of Directors.

Friendly, personable customer service is another distinguishing characteristic of credit unions, which routinely rate higher than banks in customer service and satisfaction surveys. When you visit a branch, don’t be surprised if they actually remember your name!

You also get the 24-7 convenience of the second largest ATM network in BC. With your credit union MemberCard®, you can use ATMs in every corner of the province and around the world. Plus, you’ll never get a surcharge when you use a BC credit union ATM.

100%. In fact, it’s even more secure than it would be with a bank.

Credit unions offer 100% deposit insurance whereas banks only protect up to $100,000. How’s that for peace of mind?

Visit any credit union near you and sign up to become a member. Find a credit union near you or fill out our simple online form and they'll take it from there. The entire process is quick and easy and you'll be happy you made the switch.

Absolutely not! Anyone can join a credit union.

Yes, you can! Plus, even if you used another credit union's ATM in BC, it'll still be surcharge-free. As a member, you have access to over 600 ATMs in BC and over 3,000 ATMs across Canada.

Use our ATM Locator to find the surcharge-free ATMs nearest you.

You bet! Every credit union has its own unique products including many tailored specifically for young adults. Look out for free or low-fee chequing accounts, student credit cards, student loans, and more. For more information, visit a credit union near you or check out their website.

Yes. All BC credit unions offer online banking and many also offer text-based mobile banking. In fact, credit unions in BC were the very first financial institution in BC to introduce mobile banking.

Since they’re not just about profit, credit unions use excess earnings to offer members everything from more affordable loans, a higher return on savings, lower fees or new products and services. That means the bigger they grow, the more they give back to their members and our communities.

Whether it's sponsorships that promote social and environmental well-being or funding for hospitals, food banks, and athletic programs - credit unions understand and serve the needs of their communities.

They also continuously invest in the future of British Columbia by awarding annual educational scholarships and bursaries. Over the past few years, BC credit unions have given over $16 million to local communities.

Use the Branch and ATM Locator to get started today.