Welcome to the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region
The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region is a nonprofit community development financial institution serving the Capital Region of New York State — Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren & Washington Counties. Incorporated in 1985, our mission is to provide unique access to financing and business training to nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, in partnership with community minded stakeholders, helping deliver essential services to the economically underserved. Our vision is for a Capital Region where all residents have equitable access to the resources they need to build a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous community.
We provide access to capital by pooling investments and donations from socially concerned individuals and organizations, and re-lending it to nonprofit organizations and small businesses. We also offer training and technical assistance programs for small business owners and nonprofit leaders.
Explore our work and join us in this partnership by becoming an investor, a donor, or a nonprofit or small business borrower – together we are strengthening communities and changing lives.
Our Community Members
“Without the Community Loan Fund, we would not have been able to get construction started. People that were homeless for years and years, now have permanent housing.”
Janine Robitaille
Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless
“Without the Community Loan Fund, we would not still be in business, nor would we have been able to expand to a second location. We truly appreciate being part of this wonderful organization, and look forward to working with the Community Loan Fund for many years to come.”
Jason Wellington
Joyful Beginnings Early Education Center
“The Community Loan Fund made Bliss possible, as they were the first source of funding we acquired. Without their faith in our business, we would not have been able to bring this business to our community.”
Katie Dievendorf
Bliss Juice.Smoothie.Self
“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.”
Ruth Randall & Selma Ogresevic
Green Sugar Leaf Farms
Borrower Bios
Beautiful and unusual: Makeup Curio makes up witches one day and brides the next
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 beloved family recipe
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 [Read More]
This couple is on fire for dance – and you will be, too
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 [Read More]
Kingdom Services Unlimited – snow removal, lawn mowing, and character development
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 [Read More]
Latest News
Albany County COVID-19 Grants – Helping Cohoes and Watervliet Businesses
The Albany County Legislature, in partnership with the Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region fast-tracked grants to 132 businesses impacted by COVID. The grants were awarded [Read More]
Albany County COVID-19 Grants – Helping Guilderland and Altamont Businesses
The Albany County Legislature, in partnership with the Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region fast-tracked grants to 132 businesses impacted by COVID. The grants were awarded [Read More]
Albany County COVID-19 Grants – Helping businesses all over Albany County, including Bethlehem and Delmar Businesses
The Albany County Legislature, in partnership with the Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region fast-tracked grants to 132 businesses impacted by COVID. The grants were awarded [Read More]
Albany County COVID-19 Grants helping businesses all over county, including Latham businesses
The Albany County Legislature, in partnership with the Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region fast-tracked grants to 132 businesses impacted by COVID. The grants were awarded [Read More]
Workshops & Events
January 2025
Basic Legal Formations for Small Businesses
Money Optimization Blueprint: Simplify and Amplify
9-Week Business Planning Course
Business Health Check-Ups
February 2025
Money Optimization Blueprint: Simplify and Amplify
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