The Progress Fund got it. They understood what we want to accomplish, and they understood the potential of what this is going to be. They've been incredibly supportive. This remarkable region has a history of boom and rust. In 1997, we saw a new direction. Natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and small town charms could be the raw materials that revitalize communities through tourism.
We've provided financing and business coaching to help people like you to grow businesses and create jobs for the region. The results include better than 610 loans totaling more than $85.8 Million plus 5,323 created or retained jobs, and counting. With help from foundation, state and federal sources, we've built a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution capable of lending in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland.
We've provided financing and business coaching to help people like you to grow businesses and create jobs for the region. The results include better than 610 loans totaling more than $85.8 Million plus 5,323 created or retained jobs, and counting. With help from foundation, state and federal sources, we've built a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution capable of lending in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland.
Services
The Progress Fund provides financing from $20,000 to over $1 million to people who are starting, expanding or buying small businesses. Can be used to purchase property, restore and rehabilitate buildings, purchase inventory or equipment, buy the assets of an existing business, and for working capital.
Marketing Assistance: We can help you to participate in regional marketing efforts and announce events to the media. Referrals: We steer you to Small Business Development Centers, county and local development associations, and other resources. We've built businesses and will share our experience, plus bring top small business pros on board.
We are a non-profit organization. Our mission is to help small businesses grow and create the new jobs that people want throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland. Commercial banks have very different motivations so some very good entrepreneurs are unable to get a loan from the banks they approach.
Focus, experience, and maybe a little fun is what makes The Progress Fund a top development organization. Our staff combine breadth of lending experience with dedication to help small business owners. David has 38 years of professional experience in economic development activities. He is co-founder of The Progress Fund and has been its Chief Executive Officer since its inception in 1997.
Since its inception in 1997, The Progress Fund has made 610 loans totaling more than $85.8 Million to 375 small businesses helping to create or sustain over 5,323 jobs. The Progress Fund has also provided more than 32,557 hours of entrepreneurial coaching and helped rehabilitate over 125 historically significant buildings which have been focal points for community redevelopment efforts.
Reviews (5)
Charles Gehringer
Jun 28, 2016
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The Progress Fund has been instrumental in the expansion of our business at Yoder's Guest House. We found that they were great with explaining the process and helping us to establish the ground work to make the necessary changes to enhance our business. We look forward to the projects at hand and feel that they will continue to support us on this journey.
Christian Klay
Jan 04, 2016
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When I wanted to start a small distillery it was difficult to find lenders with any experience in the field, eventually we found the Progress Fund. Everyone I talked to has been so supportive of our business. I feel like there’s a lot more flexibility with The Progress Fund than there would be with other lenders. I can call someone up there and if I have a problem I can talk to a person who has an understanding of what’s going on. … It feels like a very personal relationship.
Douglas Vaira
Nov 13, 2015
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Seven years ago, the Progress Fund took a chance on me when no other commercial bank would touch my initial restaurant project. Five years later, they graciously agreed to back my second restaurant venture. None of this ever would have been possible if it wasn't for the foresight, progressive nature, and vision of the Progress Fund. I am so fortunate to have a partner in business like the Progress Fund. I cant sing their praises enough. Thank you!
Paul Overholt
Sep 03, 2015
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Cameron Madill
Aug 21, 2015
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I've had the pleasure of working with The Progress Fund for several years, and they're a really amazing collection of people who are deeply committed to making a difference in their community.
They do great work, and we're lucky to have financial institutions like TPF that really care about the impact they have on the world.
They do great work, and we're lucky to have financial institutions like TPF that really care about the impact they have on the world.
