Loan fund boosts

5 Vt. businesses

MONTPELIER — Five businesses and organizations have been loaned a total of nearly $502,000 by the Vermont Community Loan Fund.

The nonprofit lender says the loans reflect its mission to provide loans, grants and assistance for small business, child care, affordable housing and other community projects.

Vermont Public Radio reports the businesses include:

Addison County Community Trust in Middlebury, which is buying transitional emergency family housing.

Highfields Center for Composting in Hardwick, which was loaned money to buy equipment.

W. Masonry in Westford, which is financing its payroll until the completion of a contract for work on a new pharmacy.

Mud City Kids Child Care Center in Morrisville, which is expanding.

Turtles ’N’ Tots Daycare in Johnson, which is buying equipment and expanding.