Community Loan Fund – News & Events
Community Loan Fund News
From Craft to Runway: Kema Maxwell’s Entrepreneurial Journey
In a fashion world dominated by mass production, Karen “Kema” Maxwell chose a different path, built on craftsmanship, bold materials and individuality. As the founder of Kema’s Kreations LLC, Kema designs handbags that blur the line between accessory and art, combining wood, leather, and fabric into statement pieces meant to command attention. What began as a lifelong passion for sewing has [Read More]
Turning Vision Into Space: Grand Street Community Arts Expands Its Impact
When Ta-Sean Murdock stepped into the leadership position of Grand Street Community Arts, Inc., a local 501C3, in 2017, the organization was at a crossroads. Founded in the early 2000s to connect youth and families with arts programming in Albany’s South End, the organization had deep roots in the community—but years of limited resources had left it with minimal programming, an [Read More]
Operation Tooth Fairy: Turning Oral Health Into Community Advocacy
When Octavia Windom-Wiggins first connected with the Community Loan Fund, she wasn’t just looking to start a business — she was looking for direction. Octavia had the passion and the lived experience, but she didn’t yet have the structure. Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, Octavia had a lot of ideas and ventures that she wanted to pursue but wasn’t quite sure where [Read More]
Crowns, Courage & Community: How Demetria Canty Is Redefining Shelter for Women
Crowns, Courage & Community: How Demetria Canty Is Redefining Shelter for Women When Demetria Canty first walked into a women’s group home in the early 1990s, she didn’t know she was stepping into her life’s calling. For over 25 years Canty has worked in human services “I’ve done counseling, eviction prevention, drug programs—you name it, I’ve probably done it. I just [Read More]
Interview with Jennifer DeGroff, 9-week Course Grad & Owner of TrueIcon, Inc.
The Community Loan Fund was able to catch up with Jennifer DeGroff, a Graduate of the 9-Week Business Course, and Owner of TrueIcon Inc. Jen DeGroff, Founder of TrueIcon Inc., helps individuals and teams break through hidden barriers to find their voice, confidence, and inner strength. Drawing on 11 years in marketing strategy and data analytics, an MBA, and her [Read More]
Events Calendar
April 2026
Develop a 2026 AI Business Strategy
Quickbooks Online 101
9-Week Business Planning Course
From Vision to Viable Business
May 2026
Built in Real Time: Landing Page Workshop
