Website: https://www.investinvermont.org/borrowers/justice-forward-fund.html Organization/Hosted by: VT Community Loan Fund: https://www.investinvermont.org/ The Justice Forward Fund is a special-purpose credit program designed for BIPOC Vermonters who are growing a small business, cooperative, or nonprofit organization. The program aims to increase access to capital for people of color as they have been traditionally and generationally excluded from conventional financial markets and services due to systemic racism that has pervaded America’s financial institutions. Funding awards range from $1,000-5,000 with a 2% annual interest rate and no minimum collateral requirements. The funds can be used for: working capital, equipment, inventory, or facilitation construction/improvement. *Vermont Community Loan Fund recommends that you reach out before submitting an application. They have a Business Resource Center where their staff can advise you through every step from the inquiry stage through the life of the loan. What do I need to qualify? Businesses/Co-ops: A BIPOC resident of Vermont must own at least 50% of the business Nonprofits: BIPOC Vermont residents must serve as leadership on staff and represent a majority of board members What are the associated costs? There is a one-time application fee of $60 What is needed to apply? You will need to provide the business and owner’s information, the amount of the loan request and proposed use of funds, a description of the business, and a reference. Contact Dan Winslow, Dan@vclf.org