The mission of the Nelson & District Credit Union is “Enriching lives locally.”  NDCU has a long history. From cash box to community cornerstone, Nelson, Rossland and the East Shore locations have been the local credit unions for decades. Based on a history as an alternative to the banks, NDCU has grown from a modest beginning to an innovative, community-based financial co-operative. They believe their membership is the key to their success.  In 2010, NDCU financial support to the communities it serves topped $3.5 million in funds dispersed through the NDCU Community Investment Program.  This included a donation of 4.5 acres of land to the East Shore community park, $200,000 to support the Community First Health Co-op’s Wellness Centre, and $50,000 to Rossland’s Golden Bear Day Care, just to name a few.

Founded in 2001 when a group of Nelsonites decided they no longer each needed a vehicle, the Kootenay Carshare Cooperative has grown to 325 individual and business members sharing over 20 vehicles in the Kootenay communities of Nelson, Revelstoke, Kaslo, and Kimberley.  Being a member of the Carshare Co-op is less expensive than owning a car for people who drive four days a week or less, it results in fewer emissions, provides the freedom of being able to drive without the commitment of maintaining a vehicle and offers members an opportunity to participate in a strong local community.

Members of Heritage Credit Union are also shareholders, which means they get to share in the credit union's profits, and have a genuine stake in the credit union’s future. Heritage is committed to being a progressive, financially strong, goal-oriented organization that continues to place their members and philosophy first and foremost. The credit union provides valued financial and insurance services, and remains dedicated to their cooperative principles, while operating in a financially sound manner.