A moose crossing the road is silhouetted against a sky at dusk in Cabot Vermont

Funders of Community, and Capital

Community

Community Capital receives and leverages federal funds

With broad reach, decades of experience in working with people and small businesses, and the capacity to provide comprehensive advice and support for low and moderate-income entrepreneurs, Community Capital successfully oversees, manages and distributes federal, state and municipal funds designated for business development.

US Department of Agriculture Rural Development

  • Community Capital utilizes the US Department of Agriculture Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program and Intermediary Relending Program to assist with the flow of capital to Vermont’s rural communities.
 

US Small Business Administration

  • Community Capital accesses loan funds and grants for business advisory services through the US Small Business Administration’s microloan program.
  • For several years running, Community Capital was been honored as Vermont’s highest volume microlender.

JobStart

  • Created by Vermont’s Legislature to develop self-employment opportunities for lower income Vermonters, we administer JobStart funds to start, strengthen or grow small businesses.

Foundations and Municipal Revolving Loan Funds

  • In addition to donations, foundations lend Community Capital funds, which are used to provide financial support to small businesses. This flexible capital supports both the foundation’s and Community Capital’s missions.
  • We work with several Vermont towns to administer their revolving loan funds, where the interest and principal payments from existing loans are used to create capital for new loans.
Steam rises from a maple sugar evaporator, making maple syrup at Phyllis Hayward's East Hill Farm

A Success Story: Phyllis Hayward, Hayward’s East Hill Farm, Chelsea

The Hayward family had been maple sugaring on their land for more than 50 years, and after a hiatus, sap became syrup again at this hill farm. After almost a decade-long break in production, Phyllis and her son resumed the business by collecting and selling their maple sap to another sugar maker. As their operation grew, Community Capital of Vermont supplied financing for the Hayward family to add taps, renovate their barn and purchase an evaporator and other equipment. The Haywards were able to transition their business from selling sap to once again making syrup.