The Community Loan Fund recently closed on a $25,000 small business loan for Green Sugar Leaf Farms and their new brick and mortar location in the New York State Concourse. The loan allows Green Sugar Leaf Farms to cover bookkeeping setup, POS systems, kitchen equipment and the procurement of fresh produce for their shop.

Ruth Randall and Selma Ogresevic both come from a similar professional background, having worked for the same insurance company for several years. Through this endeavor, Ruth and Selma discussed forming a “wellness business” in 2019 when Ruth was beginning her herbal studies program and Selma was in the process of receiving her certification to become a personal trainer and nutritionist. Their respective studies led to them forming Green Sugar Leaf Farms together in January 2021. Their common goal of striving to provide healthy lifestyles to all led them to create the space in Downtown Albany where the community can grab fresh organic smoothies, acai bowls, as well as a wide variety of prepackaged to-go organic loose teas. Green Sugar Leaf Farms is 100 percent women owned and is dedicated to educating the public with regular health based cooking and product making classes.

“When we first started this endeavor, we were very confused about how to officially begin our business and what forms were applicable to us; especially when it pertained to financials and subsequent projections.” said Ruth Randall.

“The Community Loan Fund was very patient and helpful during the entire process and helped speed up our process immensely! The staff was always very accommodating and ready to help whenever needed.”

To checkout Green Sugar Leaf Farms products and offerings, visit their website HERE