LOANS
Community Driven Lending Club for Local Food Investments
SOIL Sangre de Cristo’s goal is to build a robust local food economy by giving community farmers, growers, and local food enterprises a boost in the South Central Colorado region.
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Makes 0% interest loans to community growers and local food entrepreneurs.
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Currently serves South Central Colorado.
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Loan funds circulate. So when a loan is paid back, it goes back into our fund for future loans!
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Loans are selected based on the loanee's potential to make the greatest positive impact on our local food economy and a set of ethics established by the loan selection committee.
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All loans are voted upon by members. Members who contribute $250 and more vote on the loan awards. Food producers and entrepreneurs join for $25.
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Opening for Next Loan Awards will be 12/1/23 through 1/31/24. Loan Application will be Available online starting 11/01/23 for review.
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What's the update/progress of the producers our loans have funded? Please go to the FAQ page for a report on loans and recipients.
Please send a message to soilsangredecristo@gmail.com with questions
“Thanks for sharing the newsletter. Really cool to see that $42k has been lent out to local farmers so far!
Slow Money works!”
“I cannot thank the steering Committee enough because they are doing really thorough work and they let me feel very confident in my vote.”
$41,000 in Loans Awarded to Farmers and Ranchers So Far!
2020
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Rocky Mountain Garlic http://www.rockymountaingarlic.net/ Owners Mike and Tiffany Collette use organic and biodynamic farming processes to grow over 15 varieties of garlic and vegetables in the northern region of central Colorado. Loan: $5,000 for improved cooling system to store harvested vegetables at the local market stand and build a better wash stand for the vegetables.
2021
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Badger Creek Ranch https://www.badgercreekranch.com/ Owners Dave and Chrissy McFarren, Andrea Evers practice regenerative agriculture in raising cattle and growing vegetables to serve to guests who stay at their ranch. Loan: $5,000 for a used tractor to help minimize the tasks of human labor on the ranch.
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Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy https://www.jumpingoodgoats.com/ Owner Dawn Jump is dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices, the education of our local and regional community on the function and health of local food systems, the humane treatment of animals and wholesome cheese-making. Loan: $10,000 assist in the completion of the expansion of the retail area build-out and fixtures.
2022
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Elements Mountain Compost http://www.elementscompost.com Julie Mach started the composting business in 2015. It expanded to maximum capacity by 2021. The company will be moving into a new facility, adding more residential and business customers throughout Chaffee County. Loan: $10,000 residential compost containers given free to homeowners, specialized trommel screener to assist in the new growth in making compost available to home gardeners, farmers and others.
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FungusAmongUs Medicinals LLC https://www.fungusamongusmedicinals.com/our-story FungusAmongUs Medicinals LLC is a completely off-grid gourmet and medicinal mushroom company located in Westcliffe and servicing Fremont, Chaffee, and Custer counties. We specialize in the cultivation of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms to be sold direct to consumers at farmers markets and to Loan: $3500 insulation for insulation of the fruiting room so Nathan and Rebecca can continue to operate in the winter months with ideal conditions.
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Elevation Farm & Orchard Tiffany and Armando Vigil started the Alamosa farm in 2017. Their goal is to expand production using a vertical system, growing vegetables and herbs in dirt. They also offer pork and eggs to their customers. Their regenerative farming practices include minimal water use with cover crops and mulching. Loan: $5000 for the purchase and set up of a vertical growing system. This includes shelving, lights, fans, trays, water system, soil, and seed.
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Rocky Mountain Garlic http://www.rockymountaingarlic.net/ This is a new loan awarded to RMG for a “Caterpillar” Tunnel and the purchase of a Tilther. A tilther is a battery powered tool that would aid in our vegetable production. Allowing better incorporation of soil amendments and create a uniform seed bed. Loan: $2500
2023
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Alpine Valley Mushrooms Alpinevalleymushrooms@gmail.com Owner Tylor Berreth use organic and biodynamic farming processes to grow several varieties of edible gourmet mushrooms. Loan: $1,000 for equipment upgrades for sterilization maximizing weekly productions for access throughout the San Luis Valley, CO.
