Black-Owned Custom Apparel Company Gets Assistance from Albany County for Purchase of Central Avenue Property
$135,000 loan Advance Albany County Alliance makes building owner-occupied
ALBANY, N.Y.—Faith Creative Names, a local promotional products company, has taken a major step in its rapid growth by purchasing its own facility at 257 Central Avenue in Albany. This milestone was made possible by a $135,000 disbursement from the Advance Albany County Alliance’s Al Tech Loan Fund.
The woman-owned, Black-owned business specializes in charter school uniforms, custom apparel and is beginning to grow in “ad specialty” areas such as monogrammed mugs, pens and other personalized merchandise.
Acquiring the building from the company's previous landlord marks a significant achievement for the thriving business.
"Albany County is committed to supporting local businesses that seek to grow and expand," said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. "Faith Creative Names, with its long-standing presence on Central Avenue, is a natural fit for the Al Tech Loan Fund. We are particularly pleased to see a property become owner-occupied, as this fosters the kind of personal investment that keeps Albany County vibrant and attractive."
Faith Creative Names specializes in creating custom uniforms for charter schools and is conveniently located on Central Avenue across from the Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls, one of the company’s main customers for uniform products.
“The commitment from Albany County to support business, diversity and an ever-healthier local economy goes back to our core mission in county government: driving equity for our residents,” said Advance Albany County Alliance Chief Executive Officer Kevin O’Connor. “I am proud to stand beside the County Executive in supporting Faith Creative Names and all local businesses who strive to improve themselves and uplift their communities.”
The loan enables Faith Creative Names to expand its merchandising and marketing efforts, allowing the company to offer a wider range of custom apparel solutions. This includes branded business uniforms, team shirts and jackets, and other custom “ad specialties.”
“We are beyond thankful for the generous loan that the Advance Albany County Alliance provided for us,” said Faith Creative Names owner Deanalee Campbell. “We look forward to continuing to provide the Capital Region with uniforms and custom apparel for years to come.”
The Al Tech Loan Fund, which offers economic development financing at competitive interest rates to supplement traditional bank lending, is administered by the Advance Albany County Alliance. The Fund has a maximum loan limit of $1 million dollars. Since 1996, the Al Tech Loan Fund has disbursed business loans totaling almost $60 million and is responsible for creating or retaining nearly 4,500 jobs in Albany County.
About Advance Albany County Alliance: The Advance Albany County Alliance is a Local Development Corporation focused on business development and growth, retaining and attracting jobs and promoting Albany County. Collaborating with public, private and nonprofit interests to boost the county’s economy, services are offered at no cost to businesses and operations and are supported by public and private funders who are equally committed to the success of Albany County. Learn more by visiting advancealbanycounty.com.