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
STEAM Garden tech incubator planted on Central Avenue
The Albany STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Garden is on the cusp of opening their first floor co-working space this fall. This project is located in the former St. Patrick's School [Read More]
Bliss smoothies off to smooth start
Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region helps two small business owners on joint venture, Bliss. The business focuses on juice, smoothies, combined with health and wellness classes.
From hobby to Harlem Fashion Week, Kema’s Kreations hits runway
Small business owner gets help from Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region. Loan Fund provides small business loans, training, and office space to local entrepreneurs.
Albany resident transforms vacant buildings into refugee housing
The housing stock near Elk and Ontario is mostly modest two-story clapboard houses, and it was once a bustling family neighborhood on the edge of Swinburne Park. Tim Doherty grew up here, and [Read More]
Latest News
Happy New Year from the Community Loan Fund
When we look back at the Community Loan Fund’s 35-year history, it’s hard to identify a more challenging year than 2020. COVID-19 and the resulting shutdowns devastated our small business community. Under normal circumstances [Read More]
Schenectady grant recipients share their experiences
The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region gave another $89,000 in grants to grateful Schenectady businesses, and just in time for Thanksgiving. The organization is making awards to small businesses impacted by COVID. [Read More]
City of Schenectady announces second round of COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grants
November 25 - The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region gave another $89,000 in grants to grateful Schenectady businesses, and just in time for Thanksgiving. The organization is making awards to small [Read More]
Community Loan Fund announces first round of COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grants
October 29 - The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region awarded $121,000 in grants to small businesses impacted by COVID. These grants are part of the City of Schenectady’s Small Business Assistance Program [Read More]
Workshops & Events
April 2025
9-Week Business Planning Course Sale has ended
June 2025
SEO for Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
How to Grow Your Subscriber Base
Confident Spending: Make Choices You Love
6-Week Childcare Business Development Course
Understanding and Managing Credit
Creating Reasonable Cash Flow Projections
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