GREEN BUSINESS LENDING SHADEFUND | ShadeFund, The Conservation Fund A Non-Profit Capital Source for Natural Resource Based Businesses Presenters: Rick Larson and Enrique Perez

GREEN BUSINESS LENDING SHADEFUND | Our approach to Conservation The Conservation Fund is a national nonprofit with a dual charter of environmental protection and economic development. Core idea: For conservation to have lasting effects, it must make economic sense. We’ve protected over 7 million acres of environmentally sensitive land since Rated as one of the nation’s top-ranked charities by Charity Navigator. We also finance farms and businesses that are good stewards of America's farmland, forestland, and other natural resources.

GREEN BUSINESS LENDING SHADEFUND | In addition to land conservation, The Conservation Fund also provides financing to good stewards of America's natural resources through Natural Capital Investment Fund (Southeast-based CDFI) (established 2001) and ShadeFund. Loans up to $50,000 to small green businesses. Interest rates (currently 4% to 9%) depending on collateral, past business performance, and credit worthiness. Eight loans to date: CT; ME; MI (2); MN; NC; NY; OR. Average size: $14,700. Uses: equipment; purchase order financing; farm operations; working capital. To date: 50% to farms, 50% to forest products. To apply, visit shadefund.org/apply. Informationshadefund.org/apply required: completed application; 3 years of tax returns; and current financial statements. Decisions in 30 to 45 days. ShadeFund was established in 2011 with a lead grant from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities. Our inaugural corporate sponsor is Mercedes- Benz USA.

GREEN BUSINESS LENDING SHADEFUND | Entrepreneurs: Adrienne Lee and Ken Lamson New Beat Farm, Knox ME Beginning organic fruit and vegetable growers. Approved for an NRCS cost share to build a greenhouse, which would help the farm expand its growing season. But, lacked upfront capital to complete the project. $4,000 ShadeFund low interest loan enabled the farming duo to complete the construction of their greenhouse in the time required for reimbursement from NRCS.

GREEN BUSINESS LENDING SHADEFUND | Entrepreneur: Mike Lipke Trillium Pacific Millwork Wilsonville, OR Mike was expanding his FSC- certified wood mill by purchasing a $70,000 CNC router. The router would allow the company to produce more precisely cut orders in-house. Trillium had a commitment letter from Portland-based community bank KeyBank for $50,000…but didn’t have the cash for its “equity” portion. ShadeFund’s $20,000 loan allowed the company to complete the financing at a much more affordable rate than those offered by traditional banks.

GREEN BUSINESS LENDING SHADEFUND | Leveraging Opportunities Wherever possible, ShadeFund uses its loans to leverage other sources of capital to meet a business’ total funding need. At times, we provide subordinated or equity-like capital so banks and other financial institutions can say “yes” to a loan, even when collateral or equity is not quite sufficient. For more information on co- lending and other leveraging opportunities, contact Rick Larson at (919) or

GREEN BUSINESS LENDING SHADEFUND | Become a ShadeFund Field Partner We value our Field Partners. They are essential in connecting us with promising green entrepreneurs who would benefit from a ShadeFund loan. You don’t need to be experts on business finance or natural resource management — just a desire to help spread the word! In some cases, our Field Partners may serve as a reference or provide technical assistance. To become a Field Partner, contact Enrique Perez at (919) or

GREEN BUSINESS LENDING SHADEFUND | Loan Inquiry?General Questions? Rick Larson ShadeFund Director, (919) Enrique Perez Web Community Manager, (919) Contact us! Stay Connected! Facebook (facebook.com/shadefund) | Twitter (twitter.com/shadefund)facebook.com/shadefundtwitter.com/shadefund