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SEED Loan Fund

Character-based loan program for start-ups and existing businesses in the Capital Region of New York.
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What is the SEED Loan Program?

The SEED Loan Program is a character-based loan fund developed in partnership between Broadview Federal Credit Union and the University at Albany's Small Business Development Center and School of Business.  The program provides 10 weeks of entrepreneurial training after which the participant is eligible to pitch for a character-based loan of up to $35,000.

The SEED Loan Program was developed to provide future and existing entrepreneurs and small business owners with capital to start or expand their business.  Selection for participation in the program is based on the overall business concept, potential viability and the character of the applicant.

Throughout the program participants are supported by a dedicated business advisor from the Small Business Development Center, a dedicated MBA consultant to assist them in developing their business model and an entrepreneurship professor from the University at Albany's School of Business.


Program Mission:
SEED’s mission is to enhance the economic and social development of distressed communities in the Capital Region and Western NY by a) fostering small business and job growth through a revolving microenterprise loan fund, b) testing new character-based loan methodologies using character rather than cash, credit and collateral for low-income persons, c) providing comprehensive training in business administration and related skills prior to loan consideration and,  d) offering ongoing mentorship and peer support for entrepreneurs during training and after funding is received. 

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Program Components

Weekly
Classes
 

All program participants are required to participate in the weekly SEED class on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

During each class, the participant will work directly with their MBA Consultant to build their business plan and develop a business skil
l.

All classes are virtual and held on Zoom.

Dedicated MBA Consultant
 

Each program participant is assigned a dedicated MBA from the University at Albany's Massry School of Business.  The dedicated MBA consultant will assist the participant in the development of their business model, business plan and business skill development throughout the program.

Dedicated Business Advisor
 

A dedicated business advisor from the Capital Region Small Business Development Center, hosted by the University at Albany is assigned to facilitate the program, co-teach the weekly classes, and assist with the business plan revisions and development of the financial projections.

Dedicated Massry School of Business Professor

The Standish Professor of Entrepreneurship from the Massry School of Business at the University at Albany co-teaches the weekly program classes, facilitates the MBA consultant and SEED participant interactions and provides business development guidance for the SEED Program participants.

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Ineligible Industries:

Unfortunately, the SEED Program is not able to support businesses in the following industries:  Restaurants, bars, cafes, day care centers, pre-schools, financial transaction (Western Union, ATMs, etc.), real estate investment, house flipping, rental properties. 

Service Area:

The SEED Loan Fund services the Capital District Region and Western New York.  In order to participate in the program and be eligible for funding, the applicant and/or business must be located in Albany, Columbia, Erie, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Niagara, Onondaga, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington counties in New York.

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SEED Program Partners

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