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Business Loans

Not every Vermont business can get fair financing from a conventional bank — and that's exactly who we're here for.

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We work across nearly every industry and at every stage, from start-ups to long established companies, from farms and specialty foods to manufacturing, retail, and services.

Business Loan Programs

Looking for something specific?
Explore our specialty loan programs.
Or scroll down for general business loan details.

Sprout

For early-stage Vermont farms, food producers, and forest businesses ready to grow.

Food, Farms, & Forests

For farms, food businesses, and forestry enterprises advancing sustainable practices, local food access, and community impact.

Trails

For businesses and organizations that build, support, or supply the state's outdoor recreation industry.

Agritourism

For Vermont farmers building on-farm experiences like farm stands, tours, and agritourism activities.

Justice Forward Fund

For Vermonters traditionally, systemically, or generationally excluded from conventional financial markets and services.

Not sure what loan is the best fit?
Contact us through the form below and we’ll be happy to help. ⬇️

Business Loan Guidelines

- Support sustainable local economies.
- Conserve or expand economically viable uses of Vermont's working landscape and/or natural resources.
- Are unable to obtain credit at reasonable rates and terms
- Increase economic opportunities for low-income, disenfranchised or underemployed Vermonters through the creation of livable-wage jobs and quality workplaces.
- Real estate mortgages
- Fixed-asset financing
- Permanent working capital
- Lines of credit
- Purchase order financing
- Restructured debt
- Subordinated debt
- The current average rate is 8.5% and lines of credit are 9.5%; rates are determined on a case-by-case basis.
- Terms range from several months up to 20 years, and are typically fully amortized.
- Flexibility in term, rate and repayment schedule is project-specific and based on project need and strength of proposal.
- There is an application fee of $60. An origination fee of 1% of the total loan amount and a loan documentation fee of $215 are both due at closing. Expenses incurred for the recording of collateral documentation and anticipated discharge of such documentation are also due at closing.
Collateral is required to include a security interest in fixed assets, inventory and receivables. VCLF may also require security in the form of personal guarantees, collateral on personal assets or a cosigner.
The current maximum loan amount for new borrowers is $350,000.
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.

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.

Need more than a loan?

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Ben Green
Business Navigator
& Resource Manager

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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!

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MaryAnn Songhurst
Loan Administrator

Makayla LaPerle
Loan Administrator

We believe that local businesses power Vermont’s economic engine.

Business Loans

Not every Vermont business can get fair financing from a conventional bank — and that's exactly who we're here for.

Business Loan Programs

Business Loan Guidelines

Basic Eligibility

Acceptable Uses

Rates & Terms

Collateral

Maximum Loan Amount

How to Apply

Application

Need more than a loan?

Get In Touch

Vermont Community Loan Fund