Business Details
29 Years
experience
Small Business Loans and Financing Solutions
Progress Fund has been dedicated to empowering small businesses since 1997, specializing in financing and business coaching for entrepreneurs in tourism, local food industries, and underserved markets. Our mission focuses on revitalizing communities across northern Appalachia through strategic investments and partnerships. With a track record of over 689 loans totaling $107.3 million, we combine lending expertise with a commitment to job creation, historic preservation, and trail-based development. Certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 1998, we operate as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, uniquely positioned to address gaps in economic development funding. Our team brings decades of experience in financial services and community revitalization, offering tailored loan terms from $5,000 to $1 million with flexible repayment structures.We emphasize transparency in our lending process, providing clear communication and personalized support throughout each project's lifecycle. Recognized with numerous awards for historic preservation and economic planning, we maintain partnerships with state and federal agencies, private foundations, and commercial banks to expand our impact. Our Trail Town Program and Real Estate Development Initiative demonstrate our innovative approach to regional economic growth. By focusing on measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability, we ensure our clients receive both financial resources and strategic guidance to build thriving businesses.
Services
Small Business Loans
Business Coaching
Community Development Financing
Real Estate Development
Tourism Industry Loans
Historic Preservation Funding
Job Creation Programs
Trail Town Development
Agricultural Business Loans
Women-Owned Business Support
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer customized loan terms from $5,000 to $1 million with flexible repayment options
- Our team provides free business coaching with every loan package
- Specialized expertise in tourism-related economic development financing
- Proven track record with 689+ loans totaling $107.3 million since 1997
- Recognized with multiple awards for historic preservation and community impact
Associations and certifications
- Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
What people say
A-level communication
Patient with my thought process
Easy experience
Describing exactly what I needed
Always letting me know what was happening
Services
Small Business Loans
We provide flexible loan packages ranging from $5,000 to $1 million for business startups, expansions, and acquisitions. Our financing solutions support working capital needs, equipment purchases, property acquisitions, and inventory investments. With variable interest rates based on project risk and terms typically spanning 5-15 years, we offer customized financial solutions tailored to each business's unique requirements.
Business Coaching
Complimentary business coaching accompanies every loan package, offering strategic guidance through all development stages. Our experts provide personalized support for business planning, financial management, and operational optimization. This comprehensive approach ensures borrowers receive both financial resources and practical knowledge to maximize their business success and long-term sustainability.
Community Development
Our regional focus drives community transformation through targeted investments in tourism infrastructure and local economies. We implement programs like the Trail Town Initiative and Real Estate Development projects to stimulate job creation and preserve historic properties. These efforts specifically benefit underserved markets in northern Appalachia with measurable economic impact outcomes.
Tourism Financing
Specialized financing solutions for tourism-related businesses including accommodations, attractions, and recreational services. We support projects that leverage regional natural resources and cultural assets to create visitor experiences. Our expertise includes funding for trail-based developments and heritage tourism initiatives that generate sustainable economic growth in rural communities.
Historic Preservation
We provide dedicated funding for historic building rehabilitation and cultural preservation projects. Our loans support adaptive reuse of historic structures while maintaining architectural integrity. This program combines financial resources with technical expertise to revitalize community landmarks and create economically viable heritage sites across our service region.
People
David A. Kahley
President & CEO
With over two decades of leadership in community development finance, David directs our strategic vision for economic revitalization. Recognized as 2021 Preservationist of the Year, he specializes in historic preservation financing and regional economic planning initiatives.
Karen Post
Former Staff Member
Award-winning entrepreneur development expert with extensive experience in women's business support programs. Recipient of Seton Hill University's Entrepreneurial Excellence Award for her work in promoting women-owned businesses in Westmoreland County.
Questions
What loan amounts do you offer?
We provide financing from $5,000 to over $1 million for small business development projects.
Do you require collateral for loans?
Collateral requirements vary by loan amount and project type. Our staff works with borrowers to determine appropriate security arrangements.
What industries do you support?
We specialize in tourism-related businesses, local food producers, outdoor recreation, and community development projects.
How long does the application process take?
The typical process takes 4-6 weeks from application to funding, depending on project complexity.
Do you offer business support services?
Yes, we provide free technical assistance and business coaching with every loan package.
What regions do you serve?
Our primary service area includes Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland's northern Appalachian regions.
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