Nectar Community Investments launches fund to help small businesses reduce carbon emissions

Nectar Community Investments, a community development financial institution (CDFI), today announced the launch of the Clean Economy Fund, which provides low-cost financing at competitive interest rates for electrification, decarbonization and energy efficiency upgrades. The Fund’s benefits are twofold: Nectar will offer loans for small business owners to make improvements to their commercial buildings, and will provide working capital and equipment financing to small businesses that work in the sustainability and green energy fields

“Nectar has long been committed to supporting homeowners in Massachusetts as they complete energy efficiency upgrades on their homes. With the Clean Economy Fund, we can now apply those principles to our small business clients,” said Nectar Community Investments Executive Director Glynn Lloyd. “These dollars will open doors as they work to reduce their carbon footprint, unlock new growth and serve their communities.”

Thanks to support from the Black Renaissance Fund, an initiative of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, Nectar has loan capital available to fund a variety of energy efficiency projects and to support small businesses in the sustainability field. To see examples of the types of projects and businesses, visit the Nectar website.

“We are proud to support Nectar Community Investments through the Black Renaissance Fund as they expand access to capital for small businesses. Through the BRF, we are investing in community-led solutions that not only strengthen small businesses but also position them to lead in the clean economy,” said Amber Banks, President & CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. “Nectar’s work is a powerful example of how we ensure that sustainability and opportunity reach the communities that have too often been excluded.”

About Nectar Community Investments

Nectar Community Investments is a certified CDFI and CDC that provides flexible growth capital, technical assistance and strategic advisory services to small business owners and homeowners in historically disinvested communities. Our purpose is to build generational wealth to close the racial wealth gap. With our robust advice, resourced networks and capital investment, we aim to grow sustainable, thriving and diverse communities driven by equal access and opportunity. Established in 2022 through the merger of Mill Cities Community Investments and the Foundation for Business Equity, Nectar has provided more than $40 million in small business and residential loans, supporting more than 700 businesses and 1,200 homeowners.