Borrower Archives - Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region

Anderson Construction bids on bigger jobs – with help from the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region

December 20, 2019 December 20, 2019Borrower Bios

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.

Schenectady Trading Company opens standalone store on Union Street

November 29, 2019 December 5, 2019Borrower Bios

Schenectady Trading Company at its new location

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.

Zephyr Preservation Studio tackles textiles with care

November 21, 2019 December 5, 2019Borrower Bios

Sarah Stevens, owner and operator of Zephyr Studios preserves textiles.

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.

Shelters of Saratoga saves homeless from dangerously frigid temperatures

November 15, 2019 January 10, 2020Borrower Bios

The cold came early this year, and that has left many homeless people vulnerable to below-freezing temperatures. Thanks to Code Blue Saratoga, these men and women can come in from the cold. Karen Gregory, Executive Director for Shelters of Saratoga, drives the 10-person van around Saratoga Springs picking up people…

Spa Halcyon creates relaxation and sense of purpose

November 7, 2019 January 10, 2020Borrower Bios

John Bowers had been working as a massage therapist for 20 years before he decided to open his own studio; like his massages, he didn’t take it lightly. A licensed massage therapist and esthetician, Bowers had worked at various gyms and spas and knew he had the skills necessary to…

Joyful Beginnings opens second location to meet childcare demand in Capital Region

October 24, 2019 December 5, 2019Borrower Bios

Joyful Beginnings Early Education Program is a daycare center built on the premise that every child needs to be nurtured as an individual. The not-for-profit provides care for preschool age children, 91% of whom receive substantial DSS support. In 2019, Joyful Beginnings opened a second location in Waterford with assistance from the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region.

Cambridge Food Co-op shores up store

October 17, 2019 December 5, 2019Borrower Bios

The Cambridge Food Co-op has been serving the community since 1978. This year, with help from the Community Loan Fund they were able to tackle some important capital improvement projects and shore up the store for future generations.

Wilbur Session, owner of WJ’s Ultimate Cleaning, makes a clean sweep

October 10, 2019 January 10, 2020Borrower Bios

Wilbur Session’s company WJ’s Ultimate Industrial Cleaning and Floors has nearly tripled in size since he started it in 2015. With a loan from the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, Session was able to purchase equipment and turn a part-time enterprise into a large successful company with 5…

The Bundle Store wraps up natural parenting products, classes, with advice and warmth

September 26, 2019 January 10, 2020Borrower Bios

The Bundle Store is the Capital District’s first Natural Parenting Store, specializing in natural wellness during and after pregnancy for mom and baby. “When I opened The Bundle Store in 2013 with the help of The Community Loan Fund, my goal was to build an open and casual space that brought awareness to and connected all of the many options of birth and parenting that exist in the Capital Region,” says owner Amber Chaves.

Beautiful and unusual: Makeup Curio makes up witches one day and brides the next

September 23, 2019 January 10, 2020Borrower Bios

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.