Ethel Walker opened her millinery shop at the Community Loan Fund incubator nearly six years ago. She wanted a place she could create and show her hats to potential clients, and the incubator was so conveniently located and affordable, she just couldn’t pass it up. “It’s a beautiful workspace,” she says.
“We promote the well-being of our artists through business development programs and other events. This is where the Community Loan Fund comes in,” says Reiss. The Community Loan Fund offers free classes to artists and creative professionals, in conjunction with the Arts Center. Called the Business of Art, this series of workshops covers subjects essential to artists’ professional development and business acumen.
Cori Roriguez started her nail business right after graduating from the Aesthetic Science Institute, and within a year, business was booming. Her services were so popular that it became impossible for her to book new clients. Even repeat clients were dealing with extended wait times. Rodriguez knew she had a good problem on her hands.
Wiawaka Center for Women in Lake George is the oldest women’s retreat in the country – and with support from the Community Loan Fund, it continues its mission to foster and celebrate the growth of women.
Qaadir Islam, life coach and owner of Universal Concepts, says that words make people. Islam has been working with clients dealing with addiction, trauma, and other issues for more than 20 years, and in that time, he has been convinced of the power of language to both lift people up, and hold people back.
This small family-owned construction company wanted to bid on larger jobs, but, as the saying goes, ‘You have to spend money to make money.’ A revolving line of credit from the Loan Fund will help Anderson Construction cover labor expenses related to a large affordable housing project they have just been awarded. The project will take place in several phases, and could include as many as 89 new units. It’s a great addition to their portfolio, and could help them scale up for future projects.
This year, the Pember Library & Museum completed renovations to the 110-year old building to make it ADA compliant, with support from the Community Loan Fund.
Walker says the Community Loan Fund walked her through the process of securing a loan step by step and that support made the difference.
After incubating in the Clinton Street Mercantile, the Schenectady Trading Company successfully opened its own retail location – proving Schenectady is still bringing good things to life.
How do you care for antique quilts? Restore christening gowns and other heirloom garments? Hang tapestries? You need a trained Textile Conservator like Sarah Stevens.
