The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Loan Program was created to support ECE centers as an essential component of a family’s well-being. This loan program is for private, nonprofit, home- and center-based early childhood educators, with the Vermont Community Loan Fund having a special interest in supporting ECE programs that serve infants and toddlers, children from low- and moderate-income households, and children with special needs.  

The center 1) must be in the process of becoming or an already licensed center, or a registered and licensed home, 2) must operate under the regulations of the Vermont Child Care Licensing Division, AND 3) participate, or plan to participate in Vermont's child care quality recognition program (STARS).

• Maximum Loan Amount: $350,000
• Interest rates as low as 7.5%
• Term Length: several months to 30 years
• Collateral is required
• Application Fee: $60
• Closing Costs: 1% of total loan + $215

Funds can be used for: real estate mortgages, fixed-asset financing, permanent working capital, lines of credit, purchase order financing, restructured debt, or subordinated debt.

*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.