Mercedes-Benz Postings
11-03-26-Mercedes~FAQ
Return to: Partn-02~Mercedes-Benz
What is The Conservation Fund's ShadeFund™ program?
Established by The Conservation Fund with a lead grant from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, ShadeFund enables individuals, companies and foundations to help green entrepreneurs across America grow their businesses and create jobs. Tax deductible contributions to ShadeFund are pooled and lent to qualified small green businesses nationwide. As entrepreneurs repay their loans, those same dollars are recycled to help other entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
How big are the ShadeFund loans?
ShadeFund loans range from $5000 to $50,000. Most loans are expected be $20,000 or less.
What kinds of businesses will qualify?
Green entrepreneurs who work with sustainable forestry and forest products, sustainable or organic small farms, eco-tourism, natural food and medicines, biomass, and energy efficiency projects can apply for a ShadeFund loan.
Why do green entrepreneurs need ShadeFund? Why can't they just get a loan from a bank?
Even the most creditworthy businesses are having a hard time getting loans today. Green entrepreneurs face an especially steep challenge. Their business models are unfamiliar to traditional financial institutions, and most banks don't make small loans to young companies, due to the transaction costs and risk.
How will MBUSA be involved in the ShadeFund program?
As an inaugural sponsor of ShadeFund, Mercedes-Benz USA is investing in select small business owners whose work displays an innovative, entrepreneurial spirit, environmental values and exceptional artisanship. Over the next two years, The ShadeFund will use the grant to make 10-12 loans to Mercedes-Benz Signature ShadeFund Entrepreneurs: small business innovators.
How will MBUSA customers be involved?
All Mercedes-Benz Signature ShadeFund Entrepreneurs will be profiled on the ShadeFund website, and in select MBUSA social media outlets such as Facebook and e-mail communications. Customers may be asked to vote on, rank or even donate to their favorite Mercedes-Benz Signature ShadeFund Entrepreneurs. Customers will also be encouraged to nominate local entrepreneurs or innovators who may be in need of a ShadeFund loan.
Who is The Conservation Fund?
The Conservation Fund preserves America's natural resources by investing in conservation and communities across the United States. Since 1985, The Conservation Fund has combined business savvy with environmental expertise to protect more than 6.5 million acres --from wild havens to small family farms and forests—all with an emphasis on building stronger local economies. Both the American Institute of Philanthropy and Charity Navigator have awarded The Conservation Fund their highest ratings for effective and efficient use of donated funds.
Is MBUSA endorsing The Conservation Fund? Are they endorsing our vehicles?
No. MBUSA's grant to The Conservation Fund does not imply an endorsement of products, goods or services by either party.
Share
Comments
Mercedes-Benz Signature ShadeFund Entrepreneurs
Bluebird Hill Farm
"The family farm is a labor of love; for the land, the environment, and our American tradition of home and community, " Norma DeCamp Burns, owner.
Read More
We need $25000 to acquire a specially designed harvester and a large capacity steam distiller.
BUSINESS CATEGORY
Farming
LOCATION
Bennett,NC
City Bench
Connecticut brothers Ted and Zeb Esselstyn, co-founders of City Bench, create one-of-a kind furniture from unwanted urban trees.
Read More
City Bench needs $25,000 to acquire a Wood-Mizer portable sawmill to continue creating beautiful and unique works of art.
BUSINESS CATEGORY
Wood Goods
LOCATION
Higganum,CT
