Meet Nicki Steel, a Vermont Community Loan Fund impact investor who's been putting her money to work locally for years.

From affordable housing to farm stands, her investments support real projects in real Vermont communities—while earning her a steady return. Learn what motivates Nicki to invest with VCLF and how she first got involved as a borrower for an affordable housing project.

Curious about impact investing? This free session will show you how it works, what projects your investment could support, and how to get started.

We're backing Vermont Bean Crafters Co. once again as they take their business to the next level. Joe Bossen and his team are expanding their operation at Cloudwater Farm in Warren, investing in equipment and infrastructure that will allow them to scale production of their organic dried beans, bean burgers, and falafel.

This project will help Vermont Bean Crafters:

✨ Enhance production capacity to meet growing demand from customers across the Northeast

🧑🏼‍🌾 Preserve 20 acres of working land and a historic century-old dairy barn

🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 Create more opportunities to partner with local farmers and keep money in our regional economy

Vermont Bean Crafters' values mirror our own—supporting working lands, building community strength, and creating a more sustainable local food system. We're proud to be part of their continued growth story.

Check out this Seven Days feature on VCLF borrower Republic of Vermont. They've grown from a maple and honey farm into a full-on lifestyle brand.

• 3/18: Impact Investor Info Session with VCLF
  
• 3/23: Tax Prep Workshop for Small Business Owners
  
• 3/31: The Role of Private Capital in Building Affordable Housing for Resilient Communities featuring Sarah Phillips, VCLF's Director of Housing & Community Facilities Programs
  
• 4/15: Is Your Community Housing Ready? VCDA Spring Conference

Last month our team gathered for our annual celebration at The Barre Social Club with a murder mystery game and great food from Fox Market and Cafe.

Can you guess who is who? We recently shared these, and several other throwback photos of staff, on social media. Be sure to follow us for more behind the scenes updates, as well as news from our borrowers and partners.