Other Sustainable Businesses
Sustainable online banking for sustainable businesses
Whether you're an alternative energy producer, a meat processing facility, or something else, we're working together to build a better ecosystem lender for a more sustainable future.
Expanding your operation?
Need credit to buy equipment?
Looking for a revolving working capital line?
Whether it's capital 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 impact leaders.
Knowing that a more sustainable and just food system requires the support of many adjacent businesses, we lend to mission-driven businesses aiming to make a difference in the community.
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 Sustainability Movement
Board Member
Dulcie Madden
Dulcie is a Partner (and Head of Partnerships) at The Engine, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage "Tough Tech" companies (or those solving the world's biggest problems). She previously was a co-founder and CEO of Rest Devices, a developer of innovative consumer technology (specifically for parents of newborns).
Talk to Dulcie about
Borrower
Deb Suchman
Deb is the co-founder and co-owner of Polkadog, a natural dog food business based at Boston Fish Pier. Polkadog treats are handmade using high-quality ingredients, and their signature item - dehydrated fish skins - are made from upcycled fish waste. Previously studied fine arts before becoming an entrepreneur.
Board Member
Anthony Poore
Anthony is a consultant, academic, and executive with extensive experience at the intersection of the public and private sectors. He's overseen community outreach at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, been Executive Director at New Hampshire Humanities, and served on the board of institutions like the NH Housing Finance Authority, Currier Museum of Art, and the NH Community Loan Fund. In 2022, he opened the NH Center for Justice & Equity as its founding President & CEO.
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.
Polkadog
BOSTON, MA
Gourmet dog treat producer, whose signature treat (dehydrated cod skins) involves upcycling fish byproducts
“Relationships and sustainability are a core part of what we care about at Polkadog. We were drawn to Walden because of their mission to support the local agricultural community. We were also at a stage where we were looking to refinance our current loan. And everyone we met was great - they were so approachable, we felt very welcome. Everyone was surprisingly creative, and showed a special, considerate understanding of our specific needs! ”
- Deb Suchman, Co-Founder
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
co-marketing opportunities
Access to a Motivated Values-Aligned Community
Walden Mutual depositors, like you, care deeply about our region’s sustainability 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.
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 deposit,2 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. Addition 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.