About Us

To Our Community of Stakeholders,

Since its inception 35 years ago, Common Capital has become an integral part of Western Massachusetts’ economic development ecosystem—recognized as both a trusted community lender and a vital small business training resource. Our work strengthens local communities by expanding economic opportunity and improving access to capital for low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Since 1990, Common Capital has provided over $38 million in loan capital to nearly 1,000 small businesses in Western MA.

Over the past five years, our loan portfolio has grown from $5 million to more than $9 million. Start-up businesses have fueled much of this growth and now represent a majority of our portfolio (55%), up significantly from just 23% in 2020.

Most of the entrepreneurs we serve face barriers to financing through mainstream financial institutions. When banks say “no,” we work to say “yes.” We believe that individuals of strong character and entrepreneurial potential may also have imperfect credit, limited assets, and little or no access to intergenerational wealth. That is why we evaluate borrowers with empathy and an open mind—and pair capital with free business assistance to support long-term success.

As of June 30, 2025 Common Capital’s loan portfolio totaled $9.2 million, including loans to:

• • Low-to-moderate income business owners or locations: 75%
  • People of Color: 50%
  • Women: 61%
  • Startups: 55%

Since inception: 966 loans totaling $37.9 million; and 2.343 jobs created or retained.

Income status frequently correlates with a lack of assets available to pledge as collateral and sometimes leads to imperfect credit histories; Common Capital addresses these challenges with flexibility that banks don’t have. Another typical barrier our borrowers face is their time in business: in FY 2025, more than half of our lending supported startup businesses. When banks say “no” to these businesses, Common Capital seeks the path to “yes” because that is the path to economic vitality and growth in Western Massachusetts.

The Future is Bright

Common Capital recognizes that there are many more small businesses in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties that need hard-to-access capital. So, we continue to focus our organization on growth: we expanded our staff in FY2023 and have continued increasing our staff capacity in the current year. 

Our team of eight professionals is hard at work supporting local entrepreneurs. We are committed to producing more loans because that translates into more new businesses, new jobs, and increased economic activity and vitality in our communities.  Our successes are a result of your support.  Whether you are an investor or a referral source, a donor or a consultant, a volunteer or a vendor, your commitment to entrepreneurship is reflected in your support of our activities and in the growth and success of our borrowers. Thank you for helping Common Capital continue its work and for increasing the prosperity of our neighbors and neighborhoods.

Raymond Lanza-Weil, President
rlanzaweil@commoncapitalma.org
(413) 222-6635