Food Businesses
The sustainable online bank you've been waiting for
We're an online bank designed and built by and for food business operators. Whether it's a new loan, refinancing an existing loan, or deposit accounts (like our Grow Local Business accounts and CDs), we understand the local food ecosystem.
Expanding your operation?
Need credit to buy equipment?
Looking for a revolving working capital line?
Whether it's capital for for a new production facility, 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 food innovators.
We lend to manufacturers, distributors, trade and consumers brands, direct-to-consumer e-commerce retailers, subscription businesses, and everything in between.
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 Food Movement
BOARD MEMBER
Bob Burke
Bob is the founder and operator of Natural Products Consulting, and the co-author of the Natural Products Field Manual. He previously spent 11 years as Vice President of Sales and Corporate Development at Stonyfield Farm, and is currently an outside director at EcoFish, Saffron Road, Uncle Matt's Organic, Cali’Flour Foods, and King Arthur Baking (where he serves as Board Chair).
Talk to Bob about
Corporator
Levon Kurkjian
Levon is a Brand Strategy Director at Opus Design. He previously held executive roles at Kettle Cuisine, Signature Breads, and the Modern Pod Company. Passionate about helping organizations do well, while also doing good.
Talk to Levon about
Corporator
Anne Mayhew
Anne is the founder and head baker of LMNOP Bakery in Katonah, NY. LMNOP Bakery was awarded the 2021 “Best New Bread Bakery” in Westchester, by Westchester Magazine. Prior to her career as a baker, Anne studied at Cranbrook Academy of Art. After earning an MFA in Fiber, she continued her research in Paris as a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship. LMNOP has grown from a home bakery to building out a production and retail bakery opening this October.
Talk to Anne 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? Working towards a new sustainability certification? Overhauling your operations? We have individualized solutions for each situation.
Wildgrain
BOSTON, MA
Producer and distributor of slow fermented sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisan pasta
“Partnering with Walden Mutual was an obvious decision. We both share the same values for promoting healthy nutrition and supporting artisanal and sustainable food production. They were able to quickly grasp our unique needs as a modern food company, understand our business model and provided us with the necessary funding to expand and scale. ”
- Ismail Salhi, Co-Founder
co-marketing opportunities
Access to a Motivated Values-Aligned Community
Walden Mutual depositors, like you, care deeply about our region’s local food 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.
Sustainable Banking
A Lender with a Purpose
As a Certified B Corp and cooperatively governed mutual, our mission is our single reason for being.
We utilize a proprietary impact evaluation - the Walden Impact Assessment - to facilitate conversations about social and environmental responsibility with our borrowers.
And after loans are funded and closed, we're committed to providing the resources borrowers need to make progress on their impact journey - including covering the first $500 of fees associated with pursuing a sustainability-related certification.1
Loans Designed for You
Loans that are specially tailored to fit the needs of each individual borrower.
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-insured business checking...without the surprise fees1
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
A $0.01 minimum balance, no monthly fees, and no surprise charges. Straightforward and simple.
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.