Small Business

LEAF has been indispensable in supporting MathTalk’s growth from an idea to an enterprise that has the potential to transform children and families in economically distressed communities.

The personal attention from LEAF and the Elevate team has helped me triple my revenue.

It can be difficult for producer cooperatives to build up the credit necessary for financing from traditional banks. And our not-for-profit business model is unfamiliar to many, but not LEAF. LEAF provided a working capital loan that enabled us to make capital investments and to bridge winter cash-flow shortfalls before we could build our reserves. As we have grown, LEAF has continued to grow with us.

Alan from LEAF helped us think through the process of converting to a cooperative…”did you think of this? Did you think of that?” We learned how to make our conversion go more smoothly.

LEAF has given financial guidance and resources to help me get new patients. My mission as a clinical social worker is to enhance human well-being and help people meet their basic needs, especially individuals of color.

We really appreciate working with LEAF, they’ve been a co-op friendly lender who has enabled our growth and sustainability.

We could not get a loan from the traditional bank due to all the money they needed us to have. LEAF helps small businesses owned by low-income, local people. Their work with me, one-on-one business coaching and making financial projections with me, was a big help.

Alan from LEAF has been fantastic to work with,” says Brett, a 4th generation fisherman, from Chatham Harvesters, Alan took the time to listen and really understand our needs.

LEAF does beautiful numbers and knows my business. Since I’m working with Jordan (LEAF Financial Analyst) I don’t need to worry about my numbers. I know they are good.

After looking at our financials for 15 minutes, LEAF’s analyst understood our business and our needs. LEAF has become a trustworthy partner.

There is a difference between a lender who says, “I’ll see you when you make your loan payment” and LEAF who gets to know us, our business, our team, who develops a pro forma and sees whether this is a safe business. LEAF is the first of all my lenders who I’ll reach out to. Chris (LEAF Director of Advisory Services) comes in for dinner at Comfort Kitchen. It’s different from someone in lending but doesn’t understand the business from a guest experience. LEAF is not JUST lending money. They have a really good relationship with us.  This is what LEAF does.

Amine (LEAF Managing Director, Strategy & Development), quickly understood our business and was able to help make clear and helpful projections that have helped us grow.

LEAF has been tremendous for us…Matt (LEAF Financial Analyst) took the time to have a deep understanding of our business. Then LEAF helped us cover a piece of our working capital, so we’d have enough product to sell. By shortening our working capital timeline, we’ve driven more sales and accelerated our growth.

LEAF gets it. We need money to invest in training and hiring as we grow. LEAF is able to see the long-term and close the gap to help us get there.

Chris (Hunter, LEAF’s Elevate Team Manager)is my human computer, always available. He helped me get through the long process to get this shop open.

We’re grateful to LEAF for helping us get the new wheelchair accessible van for our fleet.