The U.S. Department of Agriculture guarantees business loans for small businesses, companies, nonprofits and other organizations located in rural communities. Loans are similar in nature to SBA loans.
USDA Business Loans, formally referred to as USDA Business and Industry loans, are business loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These loans are made by lenders, such as banks or credit unions, to businesses in rural areas. A portion of the loan is guaranteed by the USDA. These loans are very similar to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, but with a focus on promoting small businesses and creating jobs in rural communities.
These loans can be used for:
- Business conversion, enlargement, modernization, development, or repair
- Commercial real estate purchase, development or improvement
- Machinery, equipment, supplies or inventory purchases and/or installation
- Working capital
- Integrated agriculture production or processing facilities
- Debt refinancing when it improves cash flow and creates or saves jobs
- Business acquisition when the loan will create or save jobs