We are committed to financial products and services that dismantle systemic racism and lead us toward a Vermont that's equitable for ALL Vermonters.
The Justice Forward Fund will resume in January 2025.
VCLF recognizes the injustice and inequity perpetrated by the legacy of systemic racism in financial systems, in America, and in Vermont. We are committed to building new ways to move capital to those who have been historically, systemically disenfranchised and denied access to opportunity.
VCLF's mission is to create access to capital for all Vermonters. Through the Justice Forward Fund, we direct a portion of our impact investment capital to serving Vermonters traditionally and generationally excluded from conventional financial markets and services:- Black Vermonters
- Indigenous Vermonters
- Vermonters of Color (BIPOC Vermonters)
In an effort to preserve and grow wealth within the communities we're seeking to serve, and make Justice Forward Fund financing as equitable and accessible as possible, the Fund has the following unique characteristics that differentiate it from other VCLF loan programs:
- A simpler loan application and quicker decision
- A one-time $60 application fee
- 2% interest rate
- No minimum collateral requirements
WE'RE HERE TO HELP!: Our FREE Business Advisory Resource Center
Justice Forward Fund applicants and borrowers can receive busainess development assistance, AT NO COST, from VCLF's Business Advisory Resource Center. We can help with business polanning, financial management, marketing & sales...whatever you need. Our staff works closely with borrowers every step of the way, from the inquiry stage through the life of the loan, making sure you have access to the tools needed for your enterprise to succeed. We're happy to meet with you at your location, virtually, or at our offices in Montpelier.
The Justice Forward Fund will resume in January 2025.
VCLF recognizes the injustice and inequity perpetrated by the legacy of systemic racism in financial systems, in America, and in Vermont. We are committed to building new ways to move capital to those who have been historically, systemically disenfranchised and denied access to opportunity.
VCLF's mission is to create access to capital for all Vermonters. Through the Justice Forward Fund, we direct a portion of our impact investment capital to serving Vermonters traditionally and generationally excluded from conventional financial markets and services:- Black Vermonters
- Indigenous Vermonters
- Vermonters of Color (BIPOC Vermonters)
In an effort to preserve and grow wealth within the communities we're seeking to serve, and make Justice Forward Fund financing as equitable and accessible as possible, the Fund has the following unique characteristics that differentiate it from other VCLF loan programs:
- A simpler loan application and quicker decision
- A one-time $60 application fee
- 2% interest rate
- No minimum collateral requirements
WE'RE HERE TO HELP!: Our FREE Business Advisory Resource Center
Justice Forward Fund applicants and borrowers can receive busainess development assistance, AT NO COST, from VCLF's Business Advisory Resource Center. We can help with business polanning, financial management, marketing & sales...whatever you need. Our staff works closely with borrowers every step of the way, from the inquiry stage through the life of the loan, making sure you have access to the tools needed for your enterprise to succeed. We're happy to meet with you at your location, virtually, or at our offices in Montpelier.
If you'd like to be notified when the Justice Forward Fund relaunches, please reach out to admin@vclf.org to be added to our inquiry list.
Every business owner who comes to the Loan Fund is important to us. We want you to succeed, and we want to help you get there. We're trying our best to handle a lot of interest in the Justice Forward Fund right now. Our staff is committed to speaking with everyone who contacts us. We promise we'll reach out to you within 48 hours. Thank you for understanding!
LENDING AREA
The Justice Forward Fund is a statewide program.
ELIGIBILITY
The Justice Forward Fund serves Vermonters traditionally, systemically and/or generationally excluded from conventional financial markets and services:- Black Vermonters
- Indigenous Vermonters
- Vermonters of Color (BIPOC Vermonters)
The Justice Forward Fund serves Vermonters who have not yet had the opportunity to build wealth. Eligible borrowers include:
- small businesses, including sole proprietors and cooperatives, where BIPOC Vermonters own at least 50% of the business
- nonprofit organizations where BIPOC Vermonters serve as leadership on staff and are a majority of board members
ACCEPTABLE USES
- working capital
- equipment
- inventory
- facility construction or improvement
LOAN AMOUNT
Between $1,000 and $50,000
INTEREST RATE
- 2% annual interest
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
There is a $60 application fee. There are no other fees or costs.
LENDING AREA
The Justice Forward Fund is a statewide program.
ELIGIBILITY
The Justice Forward Fund serves Vermonters traditionally, systemically and/or generationally excluded from conventional financial markets and services:- Black Vermonters
- Indigenous Vermonters
- Vermonters of Color (BIPOC Vermonters)
The Justice Forward Fund serves Vermonters who have not yet had the opportunity to build wealth. Eligible borrowers include:
- small businesses, including sole proprietors and cooperatives, where BIPOC Vermonters own at least 50% of the business
- nonprofit organizations where BIPOC Vermonters serve as leadership on staff and are a majority of board members
ACCEPTABLE USES
- working capital
- equipment
- inventory
- facility construction or improvement
LOAN AMOUNT
Between $1,000 and $50,000
INTEREST RATE
- 2% annual interest
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
There is a $60 application fee. There are no other fees or costs.
Borrow
Learn more about Borrowing with VCLF or contact us today to get started!
Invest
Learn more about Investing with VCLF or contact us today to get started!
