Community Capital of Vermont, New England’s highest volume SBA micro-lender, provided loans to tradespeople, restaurant entrepreneurs, food artisans, and service providers in the first quarter of 2015.Loan amounts ranged from $2,000 to $70,000 per business, and businesses were spread among Rutland, Washington, Lamoille, and Caledonia counties.
Martin Hahn, Community Capital of Vermont executive director, noted, “Community Capital of Vermont is committed to encouraging Vermont entrepreneurs who have excellent idea and the will to succeed in business. CCVT specializes in working with borrowers who may not have access to traditional commercial loans to make their business dreams come to life.”
Among the 2015 first quarter loans were:
- G & N Excavation in Moretown, a woman-owned business. This startup excavation company rents heavy equipment in order to create roads, trails, parking lots, storm water improvements, slope stabilization, and culvert installations.
- The family-style Country House Restaurant in Pittsford, specializing in pizzas, a build-your-own burger bar, and a breakfast bar.
- Mushroom King in Saint Johnsbury, to open a mushroom growing facility that specializes in the wholesale production and distribution of shiitake and oyster mushrooms.
- Crescent Moon Landscaping and Painting in East Calais, to upgrade tools and to increase business resiliency.
- Cake & Crumb Bakery in Morrisville, to a mother-daughter team so they can complete renovations to their shop where they offer an array of custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and donuts.
- Still Thyme Spirits in Middlesex, for start-up production of a high proof, organic ethyl alcohol that will be sold to wholesale clients for medicinal use in tinctures.
- Patchwork Farm Bakery in East Hardwick, a wholesale sourdough bread baker, sourcing local cornmeal, flour, vegetables, and eggs.
- Elizabeth England Organic Skin Care and Makeup in Montpelier, to establish independent salon space and expand as a wedding service provider.
Source: Community Capital of Vermont. 4.10.2015.Community Capital is a statewide nonprofit lending organization. Loans range from $1,000 - $100,000 and can be used to start or grow a business. For more information on Community Capital of Vermont or to apply for a loan, please seewww.communitycapitalvt.org.