.jpg)
Farmers and landowners who are
committed to using farmland sustainably and are looking to gain
some additional capital to grow their business are eligible for
loans from ShadeFund, a new
initiative launched by The Conservation Fund and the U.S. Endowment
for Forestry and Communities.
ShadeFund pools donations from individuals, foundations and
corporations to make loans that help small green businesses grow
and thrive. Targeted sectors include: sustainable agriculture; eco-
and agro-tourism; sustainable forestry and forest products;
non-timber forest products; and small-scale biomass and renewable
energy.
"At ShadeFund, we understand that healthy green businesses are
essential to healthy communities," says Web Community Manager
Enrique Perez (eperez@conservationfund.org). "Unfortunately,
finding the capital sustainable farmers need to produce and grow
markets for their green enterprises is tough, especially in this
economy.That's where ShadeFund can help."
Businesses or entrepreneurs based in the US are eligible for
ShadeFund loans from $5,000 to $50,000. The funds can be used for
new equipment, facility improvements, or for working capital needs
such as inventory or certification costs. Terms and interest rates
depend on the stage of the business, credit-worthiness of the
borrower, and available collateral.
Those interested in applying are encouraged to download an
application at http://www.shadefund.org/entrepreneurs/become-an-entrepreneur.htm,
and to contact Rick Larson, ShadeFund Director at 919-951-0113 or
rlarson@conservationfund.org.
Photo: Norma DeCamp Burns, ShadeFund sustainable farmer,
Bluebird Hills Farm, NC
The Conservation Fund:
At The Conservation Fund, we combine a passion for
conservation with an entrepreneurial spirit to protect your
favorite places before they become just a memory. A hallmark of our
work is our deep, unwavering understanding that for conservation
solutions to last, they need to make economic sense. Top-ranked, we
have protected nearly 7 million acres across America. Website:
www.conservationfund.org
The US Endowment for Forestry and Communities:
The Endowment works to ensure America's forests are
sustainably managed to meet broad societal objectives. It works to
secure marketable products, preserve clean water, wildlife habitat
and other ecological services, and promote healthy and vibrant
forest-reliant communities. Founded in 2006, the nonprofit
Endowment was established at the request of the governments of the
United States and Canada in accordance with the terms of the
Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) between the two countries. The
Endowment is one of three entities designated to share in a
one-time infusion of funds to support meritorious initiatives in
the U.S. It has been endowed with $200 million under the terms of
the SLA. Website: www.usendowment.org