• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
The Progress Fund

The Progress Fund

The Progress Fund

  • (724) 216-9160
  • Ask about a loan today
MENU
Hide Search
  • Home
  • Loans
    • Small Business LoansThe Progress Fund provides financing from $20,000 to over $1,000,000 to people who are starting, expanding or buying small businesses.
    • Get Loan ReadyLet us help connect you to the right resources to grow your business.
    • Ask About a LoanExplore your loan options.
    • Resources for EntrepreneursOur small business experts can help you plan your business start-up or a new type of venture.
    • FAQFind answers for commonly asked questions about us, how to apply for a loan, our loans, and technical assistance.
    • Application FormsContact us first before submitting the forms.
  • Borrowers
    • Browse Borrowers
    • Explore Borrower Map
  • Stories
  • About
    • About UsThe Progress Fund provides financing and business coaching to help people like you to grow businesses and create jobs for the region.
    • StaffThe Progress Fund staff combine lending experience with dedication to help small business owners.
    • ImpactsThe Progress Fund makes a difference.
    • Praise by OthersWe have provided financing to help people grow their businesses. Learn what people are saying about us.
    • Board of DirectorsOur Board of Directors combines experience and dedicated community service.
    • History and AwardsThe success of our work has brought notoriety and awards for community development impact.
    • Our SupportersWe rely on financial support of state and federal agencies, private foundations, and commercial banks.
    • Community DevelopmentWe have been creating opportunities along the Nation’s Trails since 2007 as well as redeveloping key properties in key communities.
    • The West Newton StoryCommunity development loans and real estate developments projects have supported the start-up and expansion of small businesses that are changing the future of the community.
    • EmploymentView our current job openings.
  • Contact
  • 724-216-9160
  • Display Search
Home Borrowers Manufacturers Ridge Runner Distillery

Ridge Runner Distillery

Location:

417 Fayette Springs Road
Chalk Hill, PA

County:

Fayette

Description:

Distillery start-up

Total Project Cost:

$506,000

Visit Online:

ridgerunnerdistillery.com
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter

Everyone I talked to has been so supportive of everything. I feel like there’s a lot more flexibility with The Progress Fund than there would be with a lot of lenders. I can call someone up there and if I have a problem I can talk to a person who has an understanding of what’s going on. … It feels like a very personal relationship

Christian W. Klay, owner, Ridge Runner Distillery

People

During Prohibition, moonshiners waited until dark, then rushed from their hilltop stills to get the hooch to market. Fayette County folks called them ridge runners. In 2011, the state finally opened the door to micro distilleries, and Christian W. Klay, who gave up a computer job to work at his parents’ Chalk Hill winery, saw his chance. “I noticed there were a few other wineries that were opening distilleries,” Christian says. Why not in Chalk Hill?

Progress

Today, you can’t get away with just building a still in the woods. Christian started by getting planning help from the Saint Vincent College Small Business Development Center. The Progress Fund, which financed improvements to his parents’ winery, loaned him $491,000 to build his own addition to the successful winery incidentally named after him by his parents.

Impact

“When you go buy a bottle of mass-market liquor, you don’t know where the ingredients came from, how they got produced and placed in that bottle,” says Christian. Ridge Runner Distillery, across the street from the winery, starts with the wheat, corn, barley and rye from nearby farmers, and adds grape, apple and lavender from the family’s vineyard. Visitors can see the process that turns those ingredients into brandies, grappas, ethnic liqueurs and, of course, moonshine whiskey. Then they can enjoy what Christian calls “a taste of Fayette County.”

This project was financed in part using Pennsylvania Small Business Credit Initiative (PSBCI) funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development.

The Progress Fund is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

View Story as PDF
More Manufacturers Stories More Wine, Beer & Spirits Stories

Manufacturers Wine, Beer & Spirits

Previous borrower Hungry Hank’s Pizzeria
Next Borrower Butler Brew Works

Signup for our eNewsletter

See the latest news on our borrowers, stay up to date on events and more.

Privacy Policy

Footer

  • Home
  • Small Business Loans
    • Ask about a loan
    • Application Forms
    • Resources for Entrepreneurs
  • FAQ
  • Our Borrowers
    • Browse Borrowers
  • The Progress Fund Stories
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Impacts
    • Praise by Others
    • Board of Directors
    • History and Awards
    • Our Supporters
    • Community Development
    • The West Newton Story
    • Employment
  • Contact Us
The Progress Fund

Main Office

724-216-9160
425 W Pittsburgh St
Greensburg, PA 15601-2211

Connect With Us!

  • Follow us on Facebook
Copyright © 2023 The Progress Fund. All Rights Reserved.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Website by DDS
Scroll Top of Page