USDA Loans
Up To $25MGovernment-backed capital that fuels growth in rural America. The USDA Business & Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program puts a federal guarantee behind your business.
30-Second Application · No Credit Impact · Strictly Confidential
Overview
How It Works
USDA loans for business refer primarily to the USDA Business & Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program, the federal government's largest rural commercial lending vehicle. The USDA does not lend money directly. Instead, a private lender originates and services the loan while the USDA guarantees up to 80% of it, dramatically lowering the lender's risk and unlocking capital that might otherwise be unavailable.
That guarantee lets borrowers access more favorable terms than conventional financing: larger loan amounts, longer amortization, and fully amortizing structures with no balloon payments. The program is built for businesses located in rural areas, generally communities with populations of 50,000 or fewer, and supports a broad range of industries, not just agriculture.
Funds can be used for working capital, equipment and machinery, commercial real estate, business acquisitions, expansion, and certain debt refinancing. Because the program is mission-driven around job creation and rural investment, it rewards businesses that strengthen their local economy.
Rates & Terms
- Loan Amount
- Up To $25M ($40M Ag Co-ops)
- Government Guarantee
- Up To 80%
- Term
- Up To 30 Yrs Real Estate
- Funding Timeline
- 60–120 Days
Ranges shown are indicative. Actual terms vary by lender, profile, and deal structure. Your strategist confirms specifics.
THE ADVANTAGE
Why It Works
- Access to large amounts, up to $25M, often unavailable from conventional lenders alone
- Long repayment terms (up to 30 years on real estate) that lower payments and protect cash flow
- Fully amortizing loans with no balloon payments
- Competitive fixed or variable rates, made possible by the federal guarantee
- Flexible uses: real estate, equipment, working capital, acquisitions, and refinancing
- Down payment requirements as low as 10% for many projects
Basic Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
- Location
- Eligible Rural Area (Pop. 50,000 Or Fewer)
- Equity
- 10% Existing / 20% Startups
- Records
- 3 Years Tax Returns, Financials, Business Plan
Questions
Frequently Asked
Does My Business Have To Be A Farm To Qualify?+
No. Despite the USDA name, the B&I program supports a wide range of industries: manufacturing, services, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and more. The main requirement is that your business is located in an eligible rural area, not that it's agricultural.
How Do I Know If My Area Qualifies As Rural?+
Eligibility is based on location, generally communities with populations of 50,000 or fewer. The USDA publishes an online eligibility map, and we'll confirm your specific address during the discovery call before moving forward.
How Much Can I Borrow?+
Loans run up to $25 million, with most transactions starting around $200,000. Qualifying agricultural cooperatives engaged in value-added processing may access up to $40 million. The exact amount depends on your project, collateral, and repayment ability.
What Can I Use The Funds For?+
Common uses include purchasing or improving commercial real estate, buying equipment and machinery, working capital, business acquisitions, expansion and modernization, and certain debt refinancing that improves cash flow and supports jobs.
What Fees Are Involved?+
The USDA charges an initial guarantee fee, currently 3% of the guaranteed amount, plus an annual renewal fee of roughly 0.55% of the outstanding guaranteed balance. Reasonable and customary lender fees are negotiated separately.
How Long Does The Process Take?+
Because USDA loans involve both lender underwriting and federal review, expect a longer timeline than conventional financing, typically 60 to 120 days from application to funding, depending on the project.
Keep Exploring
Other Capital Strategies
SBA Loans
Government-backed financing with favorable terms and longer horizons for established businesses.
Learn MorePrivate Equity Financing
Capital, expertise, and a partner for the next stage of growth. Bring in a capital partner rather than taking on debt, in exchange for an equity stake.
Learn MoreCommercial Real Estate Loans
Acquire, refinance, or reposition property with financing built for the long term.
Learn MoreReady To Move Forward?
Tell us about your business and we will match you with the right capital structure, often within forty-eight hours.
30-Second Application · No Credit Impact · Strictly Confidential