Flexible Capital Fund

The Flexible Capital Fund (Flex Fund) is a Montpelier, Vermont-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), launched in 2011 by the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. It provides creative financing to growth-stage New England companies in food systems, forest products, and clean technology, filling gaps where conventional financing falls short. It specializes in revenue-based financing, a flexible structure that fuels growth without diluting ownership, and offers equity, warrants, and hybrid structures where appropriate. Investments range from $100,000 to $500,000, higher with aligned investment partners, as permanent working capital with typical terms of five to seven years. Technical assistance, mentoring, and networks come with every investment. It invests in sustainable agriculture, food systems, forest products, renewable energy, clean technology, green building, and waste management. Current portfolio companies include KORE Power, NOMAD Transportable Power Systems, Up End This, Tootie’s Tempeh, Tanbark Molded Fiber Products, Global Village Foods, Glavel, Aqua ViTea, Eden Specialty Ciders, and Bolton Valley Resort. Flex Fund looks for mission-aligned companies with sales typically above $500,000, projected sales growth of 15% to 20% yearly, margins that support payments, and strong management. It prioritizes supply chain gaps, environmental impact, diversity and equity, living wages and benefits, and regional economic development.