The cold came early this year, and that has left many homeless people vulnerable to below-freezing temperatures. Thanks to Code Blue Saratoga, these men and women can come in from the cold. Karen Gregory, Executive Director for Shelters of Saratoga, drives the 10-person van around Saratoga Springs picking up people…
John Bowers had been working as a massage therapist for 20 years before he decided to open his own studio; like his massages, he didn’t take it lightly. A licensed massage therapist and esthetician, Bowers had worked at various gyms and spas and knew he had the skills necessary to…
Owners of older mobile homes can face a number of challenges: water damage, wiring that isn’t up to code, damaged insulation, and roofing issues. Plus, many don’t hold heat well, which leads to high energy costs. In fact, owners may pay several hundred dollars a month for fuel. And if…
Wilbur Session’s company WJ’s Ultimate Industrial Cleaning and Floors has nearly tripled in size since he started it in 2015. With a loan from the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, Session was able to purchase equipment and turn a part-time enterprise into a large successful company with 5…
The Bundle Store is the Capital District’s first Natural Parenting Store, specializing in natural wellness during and after pregnancy for mom and baby. “When I opened The Bundle Store in 2013 with the help of The Community Loan Fund, my goal was to build an open and casual space that brought awareness to and connected all of the many options of birth and parenting that exist in the Capital Region,” says owner Amber Chaves.
At Makeup Curio, Jenn Dugan “blends the beautiful and the unusual,” and provides a mix of makeup and esthetic services. Her services include special occasion makeup – and special effects makeup. Dugan earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design from Marist College, an Associates in Business Administration from Schenectady County Community College and her NYS Esthetics License. She opened the Makeup Curio in downtown Schenectady in 2017 with a loan from the Community Loan Fund.
Gatherer’s Granola started with a winning family recipe. Now, it’s being sold at 500 stores in 8 states! Back in college, company founder Alessandro Gerbini used to get care packages containing his mom’s homemade granola – and it was so good his roommates would steal it before he could even…
Natalia O’Connor is a National Champion, World Semi-finalists and World Cup Finalist in ballroom dancing. She and her partner, Florin Vlad, have represented the United States at FIVE World Championships! In 2017, this couple opened Dance Fire Studio & Fitness in Niskayuna, so they could share their talent and technique…
In 2014, when John Walker was laid off during a local manufacturer’s downsizing, he had a decision: look for another position or go full-time into the side hustle he had been working on for 10 years: property maintenance. Walker decided to become his own boss, and turn Kingdom Services Unlimited…
“The Community Loan Fund made it possible for us to realize the long-standing dream of building the Everett Nack Environmental Education Center for the people of the City of Hudson,” says Nick Zachos, Executive Director, Hudson Sloop Club. “Thanks to the Community Loan Fund, our small volunteer-run non-profit is able to do big things.” The Hudson Sloop Club also offers fishing, boating, ecology, and even boat-building courses for youth.
