Two credit unions covering Caerphilly County Borough are to benefit from a share of £1.7 million of Welsh Government funding.
Islwyn Community Credit Union, based on Wesley Road, Blackwood, will receive £25,000 while Smart Money Cymru, based on Cardiff Road, Caerphilly, will get almost £145,000.
The new money, which covers the next three financial years, is aimed at boosting the number of people using credit union services to either save or borrow.
The Welsh Government has a target of getting 143,000 people members of credit unions in Wales by 2020, the equivalent of 6% of the population. There are currently 72,000 members.
Credit unions are not-for-profit mutual financial co-operatives that take deposits and give loans to members.
Jeff Cuthbert, Caerphilly AM and Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, said: “We want to make sure credit unions go from strength-to-strength and become a permanent sight on high streets across Wales. They are a real, community focussed alternative to traditional banks and payday lenders.
“This new funding builds on the financial support we have provided to the movement over a number of years so they can continue to encourage savings, offer accessible loans and work in our most vulnerable communities.”