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.
Vermont’s local businesses, regional & local service providers, nonprofit organizations and municipalities work together to foster opportunities for outdoor recreation in every corner of our state. They build and maintain the trails we ride and the land around them. They sell the gear that keeps us strong and safe. They convert local food into the fuel that keeps us out there. They’re responsible for the utilities and other infrastructure that make it all possible.
VCLF's TRAILS (Tourism & Recreation Adventure Infrastructure LoanS) program provides financing that creates opportunities for Vermonters and our visitors to get outdoors. TRAILS financing is available to businesses and organizations that provide services or goods that enable or support Vermont's outdoor recreation industry.
PLEASE NOTE: Not all prospective borrowers will qualify for TRAILS financing. The Vermont Community Loan Fund offers a suite of business financing options to serve borrowers in a variety of situations and circumstances. 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.
Vermont’s local businesses, regional & local service providers, nonprofit organizations and municipalities work together to foster opportunities for outdoor recreation in every corner of our state. They build and maintain the trails we ride and the land around them. They sell the gear that keeps us strong and safe. They convert local food into the fuel that keeps us out there. They’re responsible for the utilities and other infrastructure that make it all possible.
VCLF's TRAILS (Tourism & Recreation Adventure Infrastructure LoanS) program provides financing that creates opportunities for Vermonters and our visitors to get outdoors. TRAILS financing is available to businesses and organizations that provide services or goods that enable or support Vermont's outdoor recreation industry.
PLEASE NOTE: Not all prospective borrowers will qualify for TRAILS financing. The Vermont Community Loan Fund offers a suite of business financing options to serve borrowers in a variety of situations and circumstances. 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.
LEARN MORE
Please email our Lending Team at admin@vclf.org, or call us at 802-223-1448.
BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER
Business development & advisory services - consulting, training and counseling - is a key component of our work to foster and support our borrowers’ success. Much of that technical assistance is provided “in-house” by VCLF’s Business Resource Center. We also regularly contract with or provide referrals to third-party sources if we believe their expertise is the best fit for a borrower’s unique operating environment and needs. TRAILS financing will be augmented with business development technical assistance and consulting tailored to meet each borrower’s specific needs, free-of-charge.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible businesses include (but are not limited to):
- 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.
ACCEPTABLE USES
Uses may include:
- Real estate/land acquisition
- Facility construction or improvement
- Equipment
- Inventory
- Working capital
RATES AND TERMS
TRAILS offers loans from $5,000 to $350,000 for a first-time borrower.
The current average rate is 8.0%. Rates are determined on a case-by-case basis. Terms range from one to ten years.
WHAT IF MY PROJECT HAS OTHER FINANCING NEEDS?
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.
HOW TO APPLY
We encourage you to speak with us before submitting a loan application. Please email admin@vclf.org or call us at 802-223-1448.
BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER
Business development & advisory services - consulting, training and counseling - is a key component of our work to foster and support our borrowers’ success. Much of that technical assistance is provided “in-house” by VCLF’s Business Resource Center. We also regularly contract with or provide referrals to third-party sources if we believe their expertise is the best fit for a borrower’s unique operating environment and needs. TRAILS financing will be augmented with business development technical assistance and consulting tailored to meet each borrower’s specific needs, free-of-charge.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible businesses include (but are not limited to):
- 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.
ACCEPTABLE USES
Uses may include:
- Real estate/land acquisition
- Facility construction or improvement
- Equipment
- Inventory
- Working capital
RATES AND TERMS
TRAILS offers loans from $5,000 to $350,000 for a first-time borrower.
The current average rate is 8.0%. Rates are determined on a case-by-case basis. Terms range from one to ten years.
WHAT IF MY PROJECT HAS OTHER FINANCING NEEDS?
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.
HOW TO APPLY
We encourage you to speak with us before submitting a loan application. Please email admin@vclf.org or call us at 802-223-1448.
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