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Trails Loan

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Across Vermont, local businesses, service providers, nonprofits, and municipalities work together to make outdoor recreation possible in every corner of the state.

Our Trails loan provides financing for the businesses and organizations that enable and support Vermont's outdoor recreation industry.

Loan Guidelines

  • Eligible applicants are those that are unable to obtain credit at reasonable rates and terms and may include:

    • Businesses or organizations, both for and nonprofit, that are creating opportunities for outdoor recreation.

    • Outdoor rec-related manufacturers and retailers.

    No preference will be given to businesses at different stages, i.e. a mature business vs. a startup. Preference will be given to businesses or programs with demonstrated or projected growth. The ideal Trails applicant will be a business playing a central role in a local outdoor recreation community proposing to undertake a significant growth opportunity that will create opportunities for outdoor recreation for more Vermonters and visitors.

  • Uses may include:

    • Real estate/land acquisition

    • Facility construction or improvement

    • Equipment

    • Inventory

    • Working capital

  • Trails offers loans from $5,000 to $350,000 for a first-time borrower.

  • The current average rate is 7.5%.

    Rates are determined on a case-by-case basis. Terms range from one to ten years.

  • If your project's need is greater than $350,000 or is otherwise ineligible for Trails financing, VCLF may offer other flexible, affordable financing options through the Food, Farms & Forests Fund, our Agritourism Loan Program or through our general business loan program.

  • You can find our business loan application here.

    We encourage you to speak with us before submitting a loan application. Please complete the form below, contact us at admin@vclf.org, or call us at 802-223-1448.


VCLF offers a suite of business financing options to serve borrowers in a variety of situations and circumstances. Not all prospective borrowers will qualify for Trails financing. Our Business Program staff work with prospects on a case-by-case basis; we strongly encourage you to get in touch with us, and we'll help determine which loan program will best meet your needs.

Need more than a loan?

Our Business Resource Center provides free advising and technical assistance to help you apply for one of our loans — plus ongoing support once you're a borrower.

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Ben Green
Business Navigator
& Resource Manager

Learn more
Learn more

Get In Touch

Interested in our loan programs, have questions, or just want to learn more? Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch!

Makayla LaPerle
Loan Administrator

MaryAnn Songhurst
Loan Administrator

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We believe that Vermont's outdoor recreation industry is a key driver of rural economic development, community health and sustainability, today and in the future.