Farms, Fisheries, & Forestry businesses
A sustainable online bank built for our region’s producers
Producers are the backbone of our local food ecosystem, so we're designing a bank that's tailored to your needs. Whatever you need, we're building with you in mind.
Buying land?
Need credit to buy equipment?
Looking for a revolving working capital line?
Whether it's capital for land acquisition, equipment financing, working capital or refinancing existing debt, we've got loan products designed from the ground-up to meet the needs of our region's producers.
We lend to the entirety of the local food and agricultural ecosystem, including production farms, fishers, fiber and forestry-related businesses.
Whether it's capital for land acquisition, equipment financing, working capital or refinancing existing debt, we've got loan products designed from the ground-up to meet the needs of our region's producers.
OUR EXTENSIVE NETWORK
Connect with the Leaders of Our Region’s Local Agriculture Movement
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Corporator
Tim Joseph
Tim founded Maple Hill Creamery in 2009. Maple Hill works with 140 dairy farms in Upstate NY and their products are distributed nationally through many major retailers. Tim continues to be active at Maple Hill, but also works with other companies and organizations promoting regenerative agriculture.
Talk to Tim about
Borrower
Julie Whitcomb
Julie is co-founder and operator of Julie’s Happy Hens in Mont Vernon, NH. She manages 3,000 chickens using a range of automated systems, inspired by designs more common in European operations. They’ve also recently begun operating New Hampshire’s first Grade A sheep dairy.
Talk to Julie about
Corporator
Matthew Meisel
Matthew is the Chief Development Officer of Little Leaf Farms in Devens, MA. Little Leaf has built the most modern, technologically advanced greenhouses at their two Northeast farms. They’re proud to grow the freshest and best-tasting baby lettuce on the East Coast—sustainably and without pesticides.
Talk to Matthew about
Not One-Size-Fits-All
Loans Designed for You
Our loans are specially tailored to fit the needs of each individual borrower.
Need a repayment schedule that fits the seasonal cycles of your business? Transitioning to organic over an extended period? Waiting for grant money that’s yet to arrive? We have individualized solutions for each situation.
Dharma Lea Farm
Sharon Springs, NY
Grass-fed, organic dairy owned and operated by the Van Amburgh family
“Agriculture is really going through a lot changes, and we are so grateful to have found a financial partner that understands and wants to help us succeed.
We have reduced our fuel use, expanded our ability to get our cows outside more of the time, and under cover and comfortable when the weather is harsh… just to recall a few changes we’ve been able to realize with Walden Mutual’s help. Our kids are happier and pleased with the changes we are making and with their involvement on the farm, too, and that says it all!
You guys are great!”
- Phyllis and Paul Van Amburgh
co-marketing opportunities
Access to a Motivated Values-Aligned Community
Walden Mutual depositors, like you, care deeply about our region’s local agriculture movement. And they’ve already demonstrated their commitment to putting their money where their mouth is through their deposits.
Our borrowers instantly become participants in our shared conversation about sustainability. Co-marketing (including access to our newsletter, events, product placements, etc.) are core to our wraparound support.
A Lender with a Purpose
A sustainable online bank with a mission you can get behind. Plus we cover the first $500 in fees for sustainability certifications like B Corp*.
Better, Not More Expensive
Competitive interest rates that allow your values and budget to co-exist.
Easy-to-Use Digital Tools
Modern mobile and online banking and borrowing tools.
All loans are issued by Walden Mutual Bank, member FDIC. Loan eligibility is not guaranteed. All loans are subject to credit review and approval. Interest rates are subject to change.
* Terms & conditions apply. See full detail here.
FDIC-insured1 business checking...without the surprise fees3
Our Grow Local Business checking account is feature-rich - with digital check deposit2, exports to Quickbooks, and employee account permissions - but without monthly fees, ATM fees, or other surprise charges.3
And we have Local Impact Business certificates of deposit (CDs), which offer competitive rates of return over longer periods of time.
Need new or used equipment to jumpstart your business? Searching for a working capital line to smooth operations? Something else? We’re ready to talk.
A Better Bank
A Sustainable Online Bank with a Purpose
Finally feel good about where your money sleeps at night. As a Certified B Corp and cooperatively governed mutual, our mission is our single reason for being.
Better, Not More Expensive
Plus free ATM access anywhere. We'll reimburse up to $15 per month per account in fees assessed by ATM providers.3
Features for Growth
move money seamlessly
Link your existing bank accounts just by logging in, and transfers funds (via ACH) for free.
Export to QuickBooks or Excel
Download your account history for upload into QuickBooks or Excel with only a few clicks.
Deposit Checks On-the-go
Use your phone camera to deposit checks in seconds while you're on the go.2
Other Bells & Whistles
Better Payments
Pay securely with our Walden Mutual Partner Business Card.4 Tap, dip, or swipe - and control your card on the move through our app.
Employee Access
Set-up sub-user accounts for your bookkeeper or employees, and issue debit cards to up to four cardholders for free.
Safe & Secure
FDIC insurance on all balances up to $250,000, industry-grade data encryption, and multi-factor authentication. Take comfort knowing your money is safe.
Local Impact Business CDs
Invest directly in the renaissance of our region's local food ecosystem
Our Local Impact Business CDs offer competitive rates of return, in exchange for an extended commitment to our mission.
Need new or used equipment to jumpstart your business? Searching for a working capital line to smooth operations? Something else? We’re ready to talk.
- Only $1,000 minimum initial deposit (and minimum daily balance)
- 10-year CD: Unique opportunity to support long-term investment in food systems change
- Use the same digital tools to monitor your CDs on the go
- When your CD matures, the funds automatically roll into another CD of the same term - or transfer your money into another Walden Mutual account
- Withdraw early (before maturity) for a marginal penalty (see account charges for details)3
- If you're interested in opening a Local Impact Business CD, first open and fund a Grow Local Business account
Interested in more information on our new 100 year CD? Check out our supporting resources.
* Annual percentage yield
Local Impact CD rates current as of December 2nd, 2024. Interest is compounded daily, posted monthly. Subject to change without notice. $1,000 minimum to open. Penalties may apply for early withdrawals.
1. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Insurance coverage limited to $250,000. Additional insurance coverage available upon request.
2. Desktop check deposit also available, but requires purchase of a compatible scanner, and free enrollment and configuration of the service. Send us a note if you're interested!
3. Account charges are listed here.
4. Walden Mutual Partner Business Card is a Visa® Debit Card issued by Walden Mutual Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association.