It's the latest talk - investing local. We heard about it recently at the Slow Money National Gathering event at Shelburne Farms in June. Individual investors disillusioned with what's happening on Wall Street, are looking at ways to invest in "Main Street." Vermont mission-based organizations are starting to look at ways to put at least some (rather than none) of their investment assets in Vermont. There's something to it - like keeping your money working in your own community, preserving Vermont's working landscape, building a healthy food or energy system. The opportunities are there.
There are many different ways to get involved - as an individual, an accredited investor, a foundation, an organization with an endowment. Investing doesn't just mean putting your money in the bond or stock market, or in a mutual fund. It can mean lending or donating to your local community loan fund or foundation, or donating to a local organization doing on the ground work for your community. Either way, investing local keeps your dollars circulating in the local economy where you can see, touch and feel it work.
If you're looking for ways to invest in Main Street, talk to organizations like the Vermont Community Loan Fund, Vermont Community Foundation, or the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, about finding opportuities that match your financial needs and values.
