Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for microloan.

Fill out BAV's inquiry form to start a conversation with the lending team.

Shannon Smith

Provides flexible 0-4% interest loans to local farms and food businesses for a variety of uses. Capital within the Revolving Loan Fund is continuously recycled, creating a reliable stream of support for agricultural entrepreneurs in the Berkshire-Taconic region.



Farms and food businesses in the Berkshire-Taconic region: Berkshire County, MA; Columbia and Dutchess Counties, NY; and Litchfield County, CT. BAV also re-lends the USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) through the same intake for businesses meeting the USDA "rural business" criteria with fewer than 10 employees.

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

Farmers Market

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

HVAC

Irrigation

Lighting

Repairs

Storage

Food Systems

Terms: 5-year maximum term, 0-4% interest, and a $50,000 limit depending on availability of funds. Supported uses include bridge loans at 0% interest for upfront costs related to federal (NRCS) and state (MDAR) reimbursement programs where funds are paid upon project completion; capital improvements supporting Good Agricultural Practices and conservation outcomes; and regional food-system infrastructure (value-added processing equipment, commercial kitchens, food hubs). The USDA RMAP option carries a 5-year maximum term, low interest, and a $50,000 limit.

For further information, please call the Agricultural Loan Division in Honolulu at 808-973-9458 or email HDOA.AGLOAN@hawaii.gov.

Hawaii DAB — Agricultural Loan Division

The State of Hawai'i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agricultural Loan Division administers an emergency agricultural loan program to assist farmers and ranchers suffering damage from natural disasters. The program is activated by the Hawai'i Board of Agriculture and&#x2004;Biosecurity for specific emergency events, with parameters (maximum loan amount, interest rate, application deadline) set on a case-by-case basis per activation. For the August 22, 2023 activation assisting Maui and Hawai'i Island farmers and ranchers suffering damage from high winds and wildfires, the Board approved the following parameters: Maximum loan amount $350,000.00; Interest rate 3%; terms determined on a case-by-case basis based on historical farm performance and projected cash flow. For agribusinesses and farmers needing loans of $50,000 or less, micro-loans involving less paperwork and swifter processing are available.



The State of Hawai'i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agricultural Loan Division administers an emergency agricultural loan program to assist farmers and ranchers suffering damage from natural disasters. The program is activated by the Hawai'i Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity for specific emergency events, with parameters (maximum loan amount, interest rate, application deadline) set on a case-by-case basis per activation. For the August 22, 2023 activation assisting Maui and Hawai'i Island farmers and ranchers suffering damage from high winds and wildfires, the Board approved the following parameters: Maximum loan amount $350,000.00; Interest rate 3%; terms determined on a case-by-case basis based on historical farm performance and projected cash flow. For agribusinesses and farmers needing loans of $50,000 or less, micro-loans involving less paperwork and swifter processing are available.

Hawai'i farmers and ranchers who lost production to a declared disaster. Individuals apply directly — "Sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, and cooperatives are among the legal forms of businesses eligible to apply for a loan." But two things gate this program that do not gate most disaster loans: it only exists when the state activates it, and it is a lender of last resort.

It has to be turned on first. "Emergency Loans are available to provide relief and rehabilitation due to environmental disasters, disease epidemics, and other economic emergencies. Emergency Loans are activated by declaration of a disaster by the Governor and are at an interest rate not less than 3% per annum. The Board of Agriculture determines the loan amount and terms." There is no standing open application — if no activation covers your event and your island, there is nothing to apply for. Scope is bounded too: "the scope of any loans under this program shall be limited to the emergency period (under which the losses caused by the emergency shall have taken place). However, the program may accept applications after the emergency period ends."

Lender of last resort — you must be turned down first. "Prospective applicants must inquire with and be denied credit from private sector lenders prior to filling an application," and for a direct loan "applicants must be denied credit from two lenders, which include banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage loan companies, the Farm Credit System, and/or the U.S. Department of Agriculture." This requirement can be waived per activation — for the August 22, 2023 Maui and Hawai'i Island wildfire activation, the "Credit denial requirement has been waived."

The underlying farmer test (Qualified Farmer). A Qualified Farmer is: "A citizen of the United States who has resided in Hawaii for the preceding three years, or any permanent resident alien who has resided in Hawaii for the preceding three years; and A person of proven farming ability who has operated their own farm for two or more years; and A person who devotes most of their time or derives most of their net income from the farming operation." For entities: "Eligible partnerships are controlled by at least seventy-five percent by persons who qualify individually. Eligible corporations are those where at least seventy-five percent of the stockholders and directors qualify individually." Cooperatives must have a majority of directors and a majority of members qualifying individually.

Note that an activation can relax these. In the 2023 wildfire activation, "The 3-year residency requirement for U.S. Citizens and permanent resident aliens shall not apply," and "Collateral requirements may be modified or waived, as necessary, on a case-by-case basis."

No acreage minimum or income floor is published. Approval is a credit decision — "aspects such as repayment ability, collateral, and credit history, economic and environmental conditions, and historic performance will be taken into consideration" — and the Board of Agriculture gives final approval (micro-loans of $50,000 or less can be approved by the Board Chairperson, with less paperwork and faster processing).

Before you assume you qualify, ask which activation is live. Call the Agricultural Loan Division — Honolulu (808) 973-9458 or (808) 973-9460, HDOA.AGLOAN@hawaii.gov — or the O'ahu, Hilo, Kona, Kaua'i, Maui or Moloka'i office. The Division says loan officers "are available to assist you in determining your eligibility for the loan program." Note also that HAR Chapter 4-8 is under active amendment (public hearing March 2026) — including a change to a single credit denial and "Interest and conditions for emergency loans will be determined by the Department of Agriculture board" — so confirm current rules rather than relying on the 2023 parameters.

Coronavirus

Trade Relief

Trees

Weather

Wildfire

Drought

Flood

Hurricane

Tornado

Emergency

Disaster Relief

Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis as needed, based on historical farm performance and projected cash flow. (2023 wildfire activation) Interest rate 3%; the 3-year residency requirement for U.S. Citizens and permanent resident aliens shall not apply; collateral requirements may be modified or waived on a case-by-case basis; the credit denial requirement is waived. Pursuant to Section 4-8-15, Hawai'i Administrative Rules, the scope of loans under an emergency activation is limited to the emergency period in which the losses occurred, though the program may accept applications after the emergency period ends.

Loan applications may be obtained from any Agricultural Loan Division Office. Loan Officers are available to provide assistance and guidance on the loan process. In order to be eligible for a direct loan, applicants must be denied credit from two lenders, which include banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage loan companies, the Farm Credit System and/or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A private lender may pursue a participation loan or insured loan on behalf of the applicant. Under these circumstances, the private lender will work in conjunction with the Division on the loan application.

As part of the application process, aspects such as repayment ability, collateral, capital, economic and/or environmental conditions, credit history, and other factors will be taken into consideration. Acceptable applications are presented to the Board of Agriculture for final approval, with the exception of Micro-loans, which may be approved by the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture.

Prior to obtaining and completing the loan application, it is recommend that you meet with or call one of our loan officers. They are available to assist you in determining your eligibility for the loan program and to guide you through the application process.

Oahu Agricultural Loan Division Office

Hilo Agricultural Loan Division Office

Kona Civic Center

The Hawaii New Farmer Loans are part of the Hawaii&#x2004;Agricultural Loan Division.


The State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Loan Division administers the Agricultural Loan Program and the Aquaculture Loan Program. The intent of the programs is to help promote agricultural and aquacultural development of the State by providing credit at reasonable rates and terms to qualifying individuals or entities. Through the establishment of a revolving loan fund, credit is made available by supplementing private lender sector loan funds or by providing direct funding.


Considered a “lender of last resort”, the program is not intended to compete with private sector lenders. Prospective applicants must inquire with and be denied credit from private sector lenders prior to filling an application. In addition, prospective applicants must fulfill applicable eligibility requirements. Applicants that are not able to obtain denials from the private lending sector may inquire with the private lender on the possibility of utilizing the [insured/guaranty and/or participation loan facilities.](https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/agl/home/guaranteedparticipation-loans/)



The Hawaii New Farmer Loans are part of the Hawaii Agricultural Loan Division.

The State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Loan Division administers the Agricultural Loan Program and the Aquaculture Loan Program. The intent of the programs is to help promote agricultural and aquacultural development of the State by providing credit at reasonable rates and terms to qualifying individuals or entities. Through the establishment of a revolving loan fund, credit is made available by supplementing private lender sector loan funds or by providing direct funding.

Considered a “lender of last resort”, the program is not intended to compete with private sector lenders. Prospective applicants must inquire with and be denied credit from private sector lenders prior to filling an application. In addition, prospective applicants must fulfill applicable eligibility requirements. Applicants that are not able to obtain denials from the private lending sector may inquire with the private lender on the possibility of utilizing the insured/guaranty and/or participation loan facilities.

A New Farmer is:
- A citizen of the United States who has resided in Hawaii for the preceding three years, or any permanent resident alien who has resided in Hawaii for the preceding three years; and
- A person who has successfully earned a degree in agriculture from an accredited university or community college; or
- A person displaced from employment in an agricultural production enterprise; or
- A person with two years experience as a part-time farmer; or
- A farm laborer or tenant, or a person who by reason of ability, experience and training are likely to successfully operate a farm.
- Certain restrictions may apply.

New Farmer Loans are for applicants who intend to farm full-time. A full-time farmer is a person who devotes most of their time to farming or derives most of their income from farming operations. A down payment or equity contribution equal to 15% of the total project cost is required from the applicant.

- Micro Loan Application
- Personal Financial Statement
- Expense Projection Sheet
- Income Assumptions
- Monthly Cash Flow Projections
- Food Manufacturing Income Assumptions


Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Certification

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Business Plan

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Transition

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Training

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Succession

Historically Underserved

Labor

Infrastructure

Equipment

Loan Rate and Amount:
- Interest Rates:  6% or 1.5% below the prime rate whichever is less with an interest rate floor of 3%. Rates are fixed at time of loan approval.
- Amount: $250,000 (see Note)

Note: Maximum loan amount of $250,000 may be used for a Farm Ownership and Improvement loan or a Farm Operating loan, or a combination of both types of loans.

Farm Ownership and Improvement Loans:
- Purpose: Purchase or improvement of farmland; construction, or improvement of essential farm buildings; liquidation of indebtedness for the foregoing purposes.
- Maximum Term: 40 years

Farm Operating Loans:
- Purpose: Purchase of farm equipment and livestock; payment of production and marketing expenses including materials, labor, and services; payment of living expenses; liquidation of indebtedness incurred for the foregoing purposes.
- Maximum Term: 10 years

Micro-Loans are also available for New Farmers, however, theses loans are restricted to operating loan purposes only. The maximum loan amount is $25,000 and the maximum term is 10 years. The application process minimizes paperwork and the loan approval process is expedited.

Loan applications may be obtained from any Agricultural Loan Division Office. Loan Officers are available to provide assistance and guidance on the loan process. In order to be eligible for a direct loan, applicants must be denied credit from two lenders, which include banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage loan companies, the Farm Credit System, and/or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A private lender may pursue a participation loan or insured/guaranty loan on behalf of the applicant. Under these circumstances, the private lender will work in conjunction with the Division on the loan application.

As part of the application process, aspects such as repayment ability, collateral, and credit history, economic and environmental conditions, and historic performance will be taken into consideration. Acceptable applications are presented to the Board of Agriculture for final approval, with the exception of Micro-loans, which may be approved by the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture.

Prior to obtaining and completing the loan application, it is recommend that you meet with or call one of your local loan officers. They are available to assist you in determining your eligibility for the loan program and to guide you through the application process.

The Hawaii Qualified Farmer Loan is part of the Hawaii&#x2004;Agricultural Loan Division.


The State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Loan Division administers the Agricultural Loan Program and the Aquaculture Loan Program. The intent of the programs is to help promote agricultural and aquacultural development of the State by providing credit at reasonable rates and terms to qualifying individuals or entities. Through the establishment of a revolving loan fund, credit is made available by supplementing private lender sector loan funds or by providing direct funding.


Considered a “lender of last resort”, the program is not intended to compete with private sector lenders. Prospective applicants must inquire with and be denied credit from private sector lenders prior to filling an application. In addition, prospective applicants must fulfill applicable eligibility requirements. Applicants that are not able to obtain denials from the private lending sector may inquire with the private lender on the possibility of utilizing the [insured/guaranty and/or participation loan facilities.](https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/agl/home/guaranteedparticipation-loans/)



The Hawaii Qualified Farmer Loan is part of the Hawaii Agricultural Loan Division.

The State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Loan Division administers the Agricultural Loan Program and the Aquaculture Loan Program. The intent of the programs is to help promote agricultural and aquacultural development of the State by providing credit at reasonable rates and terms to qualifying individuals or entities. Through the establishment of a revolving loan fund, credit is made available by supplementing private lender sector loan funds or by providing direct funding.

Considered a “lender of last resort”, the program is not intended to compete with private sector lenders. Prospective applicants must inquire with and be denied credit from private sector lenders prior to filling an application. In addition, prospective applicants must fulfill applicable eligibility requirements. Applicants that are not able to obtain denials from the private lending sector may inquire with the private lender on the possibility of utilizing the insured/guaranty and/or participation loan facilities.

A Qualified Farmer is:
- A citizen of the United States who has resided in Hawaii for the preceding three years, or any permanent resident alien who has resided in Hawaii for the preceding three years; and
- A person of proven farming ability who has operated their own farm for two or more years; and
- A person who devotes most of their time or derives most of their net income from the farming operation.

Sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, and cooperatives are among the legal forms of businesses eligible to apply for a loan. Other forms of businesses may also be eligible for other loan facilities.
- An eligible sole proprietor is one who qualifies individually by meeting the requirements listed above.
- Eligible partnerships are controlled by at least seventy-five percent by persons who qualify individually.
- Eligible corporations are those where at least seventy-five percent of the stockholders and directors qualify individually.
- Eligible cooperatives shall have a majority of its board of directors and a majority of its membership qualifying individually and shall be engaged in marketing, purchasing, and processing, and providing of farm business services.

Local Food

Legal & Finance

Conservation

Water Management

1. Loan amount shall not exceed eighty-five per cent of the value of the security offered and cannot be made on un-surveyed land.
2. The Micro-Loan application process minimizes paperwork and the loan processing procedure is expedited.
3. Facility loans require a down payment or equity contribution of 15% and cannot exceed 85% of the value of the security offered.
4. Interest rates are fixed at 1% below the prime rate or 7-1/2% per annum whichever is less. The prime rate is set twice a year, on January 1st and July 1st of each year.

Emergency Loans are available to provide relief and rehabilitation due to environmental disasters, disease epidemics, and other economic emergencies. Emergency Loans are activated by declaration of a disaster by the Governor and are at an interest rate not less than 3% per annum. The Board of Agriculture determines the loan amount and terms. Qualified Farmers affected by State eradication programs may be eligible for a Farm Operating Loan at an interest rate of 3% to rehabilitate their farm operation. Soil and Water Conservation Loans are also available for water development and conservation purposes.

Farm Ownership and Improvement loans are for the purchase or improvement of farmland; construction, or improvement of essential farm buildings; liquidation of indebtedness of the foregoing purposes.

Farm Operating Micro-Loans are for the purchase of farm equipment and livestock; payment of production and marketing expenses including materials, labor, and services; payment of living expenses; liquidation of indebtedness incurred for the foregoing purposes.

All applications must be originated by the applicant and sent electronically to brawlings@marbidco.org or mailed to MARBIDCO c/o Brittany Rawlings, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403. Applications are processed in the order received.

Brittany Rawlings

Maryland Agriculture & Resource-Based Industry Development Company

MARBIDCO's Maryland Watermen's Microloan Program helps commercial watermen buy necessary equipment or a commercial fishing boat, and helps seafood processing businesses purchase processing equipment, through low-interest, unsecured loans.



Eligible applicants include: a Generational Waterman (a licensed commercial waterman who is a State resident, holds a Tidal Fish License (TFL) from the Department of Natural Resources or a Potomac River Fisheries Commission commercial license, and derived 50% or more of annual income from commercial seafood harvesting per the two most recent federal tax returns); a Beginner Waterman (a licensed commercial waterman, State resident, at least 18, with 2-10 years of harvesting experience and 50% or more of income from harvesting); and a Seafood Processing Business (holds a TFL or PRFC license, has held a Seafood Dealer license for at least two years, and can demonstrate seafood processing income). Applicants must have a minimum credit score of 620 and may not have more than one active Microloan at a time. Purchased equipment must have a useful lifespan of at least 7 years; processors may purchase only seafood processing equipment.

Loans range from $7,000 to $20,000, with a $40,000 lifetime aggregate limit per borrower, at a 3.00% fixed rate. No collateral security is required. Repayment (quarterly, amortizing): 4 years (16 quarters) for loans of $20,000 or less; 4 or 5 years for $20,001-$35,000; 5 or 6 years for $35,001-$40,000. Loan forgiveness: if all payments are made on time, MARBIDCO forgives the last 4 quarterly payments on 4-year loans, the last 5 on 5-year loans, and the last 6 on 6-year loans. Failure to pay on time forfeits forgiveness, makes the full balance due, and bars future MARBIDCO financing.

Write a Pre-qualification letter according to these guidelines and email to  questions@farmersmarketsnm.org

Or mail to:
New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association
1219 Luisa St. #1
Santa Fe, NM 87505

New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association

The New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association (NMFMA) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support farmers and producers who grow and sell food at&#x2004;farmers' markets and other local and direct marketing venues in New Mexico.

With donations received, the NMFMA maintains an account at the Sandia Area Federal Credit Union (SAFCU) with funds to be used as collateral for small loans to New Mexico farmers. This enables the loans to be offered at a low interest rate and as the loans are repaid, the funds can be reused to secure new loans. It is reuse and recycling at its best!



The New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association (NMFMA) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support farmers and producers who grow and sell food at farmers' markets and other local and direct marketing venues in New Mexico.
With donations received, the NMFMA maintains an account at the Sandia Area Federal Credit Union (SAFCU) with funds to be used as collateral for small loans to New Mexico farmers. This enables the loans to be offered at a low interest rate and as the loans are repaid, the funds can be reused to secure new loans. It is reuse and recycling at its best!

To qualify for a loan, applicants must comply with each of the following:

1. Submit an NMFMA Pre-qualification Letter (per the published guidelines). Applicants may also call the NMFMA at (505) 983-4010 to request an application form by mail.
2. Become a Santa Fe Area Community Credit Union (SFACU) member by establishing an account with a $50.00 balance, and upon pre-qualification approval, complete a basic one-page NMFMA Loan Application.
3. Be a food producer or food vendor (for at least one year) at an NMFMA member market. New Mexico food producers/vendors or those affiliated with local food who do not sell at an NMFMA member market may contact NMFMA for possible assistance.
4. An exit interview may be requested at the end of the payment period.

Send Pre-qualification Letters to questions@farmersmarketsnm.org, or mail to: New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association, 1919 Fifth Street, Suite H, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Questions: (505) 983-4010 or questions@farmersmarketsnm.org.

Marketing

Loan Details
- Loan amounts available: $500 to $2,500
- Terms: 40 months, fixed interest rate of 6% (check with NMFMA for most current rate) There is no penalty for early repayment.

Application Forms
FSA-2001, Request for Direct Loan Assistance (Instructions)
*All FSA direct loan applications require the same basic forms. When you meet with your FSA county Farm Loan Program staff, you may be asked to complete additional forms based on applicable loan program requirements for the loan type.

Technical Assistance
Many answers are found in our booklet, "Your Guide to FSA Farm Loans." It is also recommended that you call and make an appointment with your nearest Farm Loan Officer or Farm Loan Manager. Agency officials are required to help loan applicants complete FSA forms and gather necessary information; explain the application procedure, process, and requirements; assist in completing FSA forms and identifying information sources if requested; inform applicants of other technical assistance providers who may help at minimal or no charge (e.g., the Cooperative Extension Service, non-profit organizations, the Intertribal Agriculture Council); and advise applicants of alternatives to overcome barriers to eligibility.

Suggestions for Meeting with a Farm Loan Officer: have a general idea of your goals; keep good records of income and expenses; bring financial records including tax returns for the most recent production cycle; bring copies of any written leases; and check your credit report before applying.

The focus of Microloans is on the financing needs of small, beginning farmer, niche and non-traditional farm operations, such as truck farms, farms participating in direct marketing and sales such as farmers’ markets, CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture), restaurants and grocery stores, or those using hydroponic, aquaponic, organic and vertical growing methods.


**Direct farm ownership microloans:**

- Make a down payment on a farm

- Build, repair, or improve farm buildings, service buildings, farm dwelling

- Soil and water conservation&#x2004;projects

- May be used as a downpayment farm ownership loan

- May be used in joint financing


**Direct farm operating microloans:**

- Essential tools

- Fencing and trellising

- Hoop houses

- Bees and bee equipment

- Milking and pasteurization equipment

- Maple sugar shack and processing equipment

- Livestock, seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents, family living expenses, and other materials essential to the operation

- Irrigation

- GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), GHP (Good Handling Practices), and organic certification costs

- Marketing and distribution costs, including those associated with selling through farmers' markets and community supported agriculture operations

- Pay for qualifying OSHA compliance standards (federal or state)



The focus of Microloans is on the financing needs of small, beginning farmer, niche and non-traditional farm operations, such as truck farms, farms participating in direct marketing and sales such as farmers’ markets, CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture), restaurants and grocery stores, or those using hydroponic, aquaponic, organic and vertical growing methods.

Direct farm ownership microloans:
- Make a down payment on a farm
- Build, repair, or improve farm buildings, service buildings, farm dwelling
- Soil and water conservation projects
- May be used as a downpayment farm ownership loan
- May be used in joint financing

Direct farm operating microloans:
- Essential tools
- Fencing and trellising
- Hoop houses
- Bees and bee equipment
- Milking and pasteurization equipment
- Maple sugar shack and processing equipment
- Livestock, seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents, family living expenses, and other materials essential to the operation
- Irrigation
- GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), GHP (Good Handling Practices), and organic certification costs
- Marketing and distribution costs, including those associated with selling through farmers' markets and community supported agriculture operations
- Pay for qualifying OSHA compliance standards (federal or state)

As with the regular Operating loan program, traditional and non-traditional family farms and ranches may be eligible for Microloan financing.

General eligibility requirements include:
- Must not have Federal or State conviction(s) for planting, cultivating, growing, producing, harvesting, storing, trafficking, or possession of controlled substances
- Have the legal capacity to incur the loan obligation
- Be able to show an acceptable credit history
- Is a citizen, non-citizen national or legal resident alien of the United States, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and certain former Pacific Trust Territories
- Have no previous debt forgiveness by the Agency, including a guarantee loan loss payment
- Be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere, with or without an FSA loan guarantee
- Not be delinquent on any Federal debt, other than IRS tax debt, at the time of loan closing
- Not be ineligible due to disqualification resulting from Federal Crop Insurance violation

- Fact Sheet: Microloans (PDF, 260 KB)
- Direct Loan Making Handbook 3-FLP (PDF, 2.5 MB)
- Farm Answers Library
- National Agrability Project
- National Organic Program
- Natural Resources and Conservation Service Resources for Small Farms
- USDA Information for Veterans


Weeds

Nutrition & Food Safety

Inputs

Nutrient Management

Research

Compliance

Microloan versus FSA's "regular" loan:

Direct Farm Ownership Microloans:
- No appraisal needed
- Verification of non-farm income unnecessary unless required for repayment
- Successful repayment of an FSA Youth loan may be used towards the required 3 years of management experience

Direct Farm Operating Microloans:
- The Microloan program allows for situations where production yield history or reporting is impractical, not relevant to the proposal submitted, or is not available.
- Modified farm managerial experience requirements accommodate smaller farm operations, beginning farmers, and those with no farm management experience. Small business experience plus any farm experience, along with a self-guided apprenticeship, is a way to meet the farm management requirement.
- Rural Youth loan recipients with a successful repayment history, or youth who have participated in an agriculture-related organization, can meet the modified managerial ability requirements with those experiences.

For the direct ownership microloan, the maximum term is 25 years.

For the direct operating microloan, the repayment period will vary depending upon the purpose of the loan. General operating and family living expenses are due within 12 months or when the agricultural commodities sell. For larger purchases such as equipment or livestock, the term will not exceed 7 years.

Contact the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

MASBDA

The Missouri Department of Agriculture provides direct loans through the Agriculture Development Fund to support the production, processing and marketing needs of an alternative agricultural enterprise.



Eligible applicants are legal Missouri residents at least 14 years old with projects located in Missouri. Applicants must demonstrate proof of citizenship, identity, and legal residency; if employing laborers, proof of federal work-authorization enrollment is required.

Maximum loan amount is $20,000 at a 6.0% interest rate with a maximum 5-year term and semi-annual payments. Eligible projects represent agricultural innovation, including horticulture, aquaculture, apiaries, tree farming, fee hunting areas, landscaping services, organic production, value-added processing, and farm mechanics for FFA/4-H students. A non-refundable $100 application fee applies and the borrower is responsible for closing costs.

Application materials are available through MASBDA at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority offers tax credits to lenders making loans for specialty crop farming resources to family farmers. The program waives interest during the first year of qualifying loans.



Family farmers (borrowers) are Missouri residents with less than $100,000 in annual agricultural product sales, providing proof of citizenship, identity, and residence, limited to one loan per family, with the application submitted within 60 days of the loan promissory note date. Lenders (tax-credit recipients) are state or national banks, farm credit systems, banks for cooperatives, and savings and loan associations subject to state or federal credit examination.

Maximum loan amount is $35,000, and the eligible advance cannot exceed 90% of the specialty crop farming resource purchase cost. The lender waives the first year's interest and receives a tax credit equal to up to 100% of the approved first year's interest waived on a qualified eligible loan. The statewide annual cap is $300,000 across all eligible lenders.

Program Lenders (participating Community Based Lending Organizations, or CBLOs) are the primary point of contact for borrowers, and each lender has its own loan application process. Contact a participating CBLO directly for information on program loans, applications, and terms. Participating lenders as of May 2026 include Accompany Capital, Adirondack Economic Development Corporation, BOC Capital Corp., Business Consortium Fund (National Minority Supplier Development Council), Community Capital New York, Grameen America, Grow America, Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund, Long Island Development Corporation, Nonprofit Finance Fund, NYBDC (dba Pursuit Lending), Renaissance Economic Development Corporation, Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union, and TruFund Financial Services. For general program information, contact SBRLF@esd.ny.gov.

NYS Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Round 2 (Empire State Development)

The New York State Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Round 2 ("SBRLF2" or the "Program") will use $63.5 million in federally allocated State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds for shorter-term financing needs and will address inequitable capital access with targeted&#x2004;lending that will address the financing gaps facing new companies, under-banked communities and small businesses which are more likely to be minority owned. Alternative financial loan capital will be utilized to create economic activity by providing greater access to short-term loan capital to small, micro and socially and economically disadvantaged individual ("SEDI") owned businesses that are historically unable to obtain adequate credit or adequate terms for such credit. A SEDI business owner includes, but is not limited to, minority and women-owned business enterprises, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and veteran-owned businesses located in communities that are economically distressed.


Program loans shall be provided via Community Based Lending Organizations (CBLOs). CBLOs shall only use these funds to make loans to eligible businesses for eligible projects.


An "Eligible Business" is: (i) a business enterprise that is resident in and authorized to do business in New York State; (ii) independently owned and operated; (iii) not dominant in its field; and (iv) employs one hundred or fewer persons on a full-time basis.


CBLO loans to Eligible Businesses will be microloans (loans between $500 and $25,000); and regular loans (with a principal amount greater than $25,000 but no more than $20,000,000). Program funds used by the CBLO to fund an Eligible Business loan shall not be more than fifty percent of the principal amount of such loan and shall not be greater than $125,000.


Loan terms to Eligible Businesses shall be based upon each CBLO's individual offerings but, in general, shall not exceed 10 years.



The New York State Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Round 2 ("SBRLF2" or the "Program") will use $63.5 million in federally allocated State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds for shorter-term financing needs and will address inequitable capital access with targeted lending that will address the financing gaps facing new companies, under-banked communities and small businesses which are more likely to be minority owned. Alternative financial loan capital will be utilized to create economic activity by providing greater access to short-term loan capital to small, micro and socially and economically disadvantaged individual ("SEDI") owned businesses that are historically unable to obtain adequate credit or adequate terms for such credit. A SEDI business owner includes, but is not limited to, minority and women-owned business enterprises, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and veteran-owned businesses located in communities that are economically distressed.

Program loans shall be provided via Community Based Lending Organizations (CBLOs). CBLOs shall only use these funds to make loans to eligible businesses for eligible projects.

An "Eligible Business" is: (i) a business enterprise that is resident in and authorized to do business in New York State; (ii) independently owned and operated; (iii) not dominant in its field; and (iv) employs one hundred or fewer persons on a full-time basis.

CBLO loans to Eligible Businesses will be microloans (loans between $500 and $25,000); and regular loans (with a principal amount greater than $25,000 but no more than $20,000,000). Program funds used by the CBLO to fund an Eligible Business loan shall not be more than fifty percent of the principal amount of such loan and shall not be greater than $125,000.

Loan terms to Eligible Businesses shall be based upon each CBLO's individual offerings but, in general, shall not exceed 10 years.

Eligible Projects Include:
- Working capital,
- acquisition and/or improvement of real property (excluding acquiring or holding passive investments in real estate),
- acquisition of machinery and equipment,
- and refinancing of debt obligations, provided, however, with respect to the Eligible Business loans for refinancing
    - (i) that the Eligible Business loan does not refinance a loan already in the portfolio of the CBLO or any Affiliate of the CBLO;
    - (ii) the amount of the refinanced loan or other debt is at least 150 percent of the previous outstanding balance;
    - (iii) the transaction results in a 30 percent reduction in the fee-adjusted APR contracted for the term of the new debt;
    - (iv) proceeds of the transaction are not used to finance an extraordinary dividend or other distribution;  

An “Ineligible Project” is:
- a project or use that would result in the relocation of any business operation outside of the State or from one municipality within the State to another, except under one of the following conditions,
    - (a) when a business is relocating within a municipality with a population of at least one million where the governing body of such municipality approves such relocation, or

    - (b) each municipality from which such business operations will be relocated has consented to the relocation;
- projects with respect to newspapers, broadcasting or other news media, medical facilities, libraries, community or civic centers, and public infrastructure improvements;

- providing funds directly or indirectly, for payments, distribution, or as a loan (except in the case of a loan to a sole proprietor for business use), to owners, members, partners, affiliates, or shareholders of the Eligible Business, except as ordinary income for services rendered;

- any project that results in the making of an Eligible Business loan to
    - (a) a person who is a member of the board of directors or other governing body, officer, employee, or member of the loan committee (or similar body), of the Eligible Business,
    - (b) a family member of any such person, or

    - (c) any person who shall participate in any decision on the use of the loan proceeds if such person is a party to or has a financial or personal interest in a proposed Eligible Business loan;

- a business engaged in speculative activities that profit from fluctuations in price, such as wildcatting for oil and dealing in commodities futures, unless those activities are incidental to the regular activities of the business and part of a legitimate risk management strategy to guard against price fluctuations related to the regular activities of the business or through the normal course of trade;
- a business that earns more than half of its annual net revenue from lending activities, unless the business is
- (a) a CBLO that is not a depository institution or a bank holding company, or

    - (b) a Tribal enterprise lender that is not a depository institution or a bank holding company;
- a business engaged in pyramid sales, where a participant’s primary incentive is based on the sales made by an ever-increasing number of participants;
- a business engaged in activities that are prohibited by federal law or, if permitted by federal law, applicable law in the jurisdiction where the business is located or conducted (this includes businesses that make, sell, service, or distribute products or services used in connection with illegal activity, unless such use can be shown to be completely outside of the business’s intended market); this category of businesses includes direct and indirect marijuana businesses, as defined in SBA Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 6;
- acquisition and/or improvement of real property for passive investments in real estate. Loan proceeds are used for passive real estate investment purposes when the proceeds of the loan are used to invest in real estate acquired and held primarily for sale, lease, or investment in which the developer does not intend to occupy or actively use the resulting real property. 


SSBCI Technical Assistance (TA) provides legal, accounting, and financial advisory services to help small businesses strengthen loan readiness and access capital, at no cost to the business.

What we can help with:
- Legal: business formation and governance; required registrations and licenses; contracts; investor documents; ESOP-related transfers; procurement and surety-bond support; contractor-financing and bonding needs.
- Accounting: audits and financial statements; digitizing records; training on accounting practices/software; WIP/AR/AP schedules; transitioning from cash to accrual to meet lender or surety requests.
- Financial advisory: banking relationships; applications for government small-business programs; identifying credit/capital/grants; financial-management guidance; presentations, models, and business plans; surety-bond basics and contractor-financing support.
Where to get help
TA providers serve regions statewide, including:
Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (North Country)
Eleven3seven5 (NYC, Mid-Hudson, Capital Region)
Renaissance Economic Development Corporation (NYC, Long Island, Mid-Hudson)
Pursuit Lending (Statewide)


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Women

Loans are made by Community Based Lending Organizations (CBLOs), not by Empire State Development directly, so your actual pricing comes from the lender: "Interest rates and approval terms set by individual lenders."

Loan sizes: "CBLO loans to Eligible Businesses will be microloans (loans between $500 and $25,000); and regular loans (with a principal amount greater than $25,000 but no more than $20,000,000)."

State money only ever covers part of your loan: "Program funds used by the CBLO to fund an Eligible Business loan shall not be more than fifty percent of the principal amount of such loan and shall not be greater than $125,000." The lender supplies the rest from its own capital.

Term: "Loan terms to Eligible Businesses shall be based upon each CBLO's individual offerings but, in general, shall not exceed 10 years."

The program is capitalized with "$63.5 million in federally allocated State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds" and is aimed at shorter-term financing for small, micro and socially and economically disadvantaged (SEDI) owned businesses.

Eligible uses include working capital, real property acquisition or improvement, machinery and equipment, and debt refinancing. Refinancing has hard tests: the new loan must be "at least 150 percent of the previous outstanding balance," must deliver "a 30 percent reduction in the fee-adjusted APR," and cannot refinance a loan already held by that CBLO or an affiliate.

Eligible businesses employ 100 or fewer full-time people and are New York-resident and independently owned. Passive real estate investment is excluded.

Contact the program lenders directly — each runs its own application, and rates and terms differ.

All applications must be originated by the applicant and sent to MARBIDCO Loan Programs, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403, or info@marbidco.org. Applications are processed in the order received.

In collaboration with the Maryland Energy Administration and using Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) funds, MARBIDCO offers affordable, below-market-rate microloans for projects that improve energy efficiency in food and fiber processing businesses. The program helps rural businesses reduce energy consumption while increasing profitability, enabling farmers and agricultural-based industry business owners to implement the recommendations of a third-party energy auditor.



The borrower should have a credit score of at least 620 and no bankruptcies filed within the last seven years. Loans are unsecured; only the personal guarantee of the borrowers and/or businesses is required. A copy of an energy audit, an ag energy management plan report, or an energy savings confirmation letter from a qualified third-party energy auditor must be submitted with the application, along with a simple commercial lender referral. Loans are fully amortized with terms not exceeding the anticipated savings payback period, with at least a 1.0-to-1.0 ratio on annual energy savings payback.

Loans range from $5,000 to $30,000 at a 4.50% fixed rate, with a $75 origination fee. Loan advances may not exceed actual improvement costs minus grant incentive funding received. A grant incentive of 10% of the loan amount (not to exceed $1,000) is available. Debt service coverage of at least 1.0-to-1.0 on annual energy savings payback is required, and terms may not exceed the anticipated savings payback period.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Please contact your local state office for additional information and to apply for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program.

This program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

- Help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.

- Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.



This program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:
- Help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
- Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Who may apply for this program?

The following are eligible to be a Microenterprise Development Organization:
- Nonprofits.
- Federally-recognized tribes.
- Institutions of higher education.

The following are eligible to apply for a loan from the MDO as an ultimate recipient:
- Businesses located in an eligible area with 10 or fewer full-time employees.

What is an eligible area?
- Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.
- The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area.
- The lender may be located anywhere.

Check eligible addresses for Business Programs.

Are there other requirements?

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:
- Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
- Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

- Program Fact Sheet
- RBCS How-To Apply Video Series for Applicants

Stewardship

What the award figures on this record mean: award.max $500,000 is the largest loan USDA makes to a Microenterprise Development Organization (MDO) — the intermediary that operates the revolving loan fund. An individual farmer or rural business (an "ultimate recipient") borrows out of that fund and is capped at $50,000. No minimum is stated for either level.

What kind of funding is available?
- Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $100,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
- Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?
- Maximum term is 20 years.
- Two-year payment deferral.
- Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?
- Up to $50,000.
- Fixed interest rate.
- Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:
- Working capital.
- Debt refinancing.
- Purchasing equipment and supplies.
- Improving real estate.

Apply for a Microloan directly online at https://farmersmarketinstitute.org/farmer-programs/microloans/microloan-application/, or contact the Santa Fe Farmers' Market Institute at 505-983-7726 for more information.

Farmers often have limited resources or lack access to capital, which can impact the sustainability of their business or&#x2004;their capacity to grow. Our Microloan Program awards low-interest flexible loans, which fund projects that have a significant, positive impact on many of our vendors' businesses, as well as the quality and quantity of the products brought to the Market. The Microloan Program helps vendors defray seasonal operating expenses, improve infrastructure, extend the growing season, and much more. Access to capital ensures that farmers and ranchers can provide a constant and growing food supply to Santa Fe and the region.



Farmers often have limited resources or lack access to capital, which can impact the sustainability of their business or their capacity to grow. Our Microloan Program awards low-interest flexible loans, which fund projects that have a significant, positive impact on many of our vendors' businesses, as well as the quality and quantity of the products brought to the Market. The Microloan Program helps vendors defray seasonal operating expenses, improve infrastructure, extend the growing season, and much more. Access to capital ensures that farmers and ranchers can provide a constant and growing food supply to Santa Fe and the region.

Any current vendor at the Santa Fe Farmers' Market may apply for a microloan. All Market vendors have equal access to the Microloan Program regardless of gender, age (applicants must be 18 or older), ethnicity, or citizenship status. The program is offered in partnership with Guadalupe Credit Union, which provides financial coaching and application assistance in both English and Spanish.

The maximum loan amount has grown over the life of the program, from $3,500 to a current maximum of $20,000. Loans are provided in partnership with Guadalupe Credit Union. Since the program began in 2008, 379 loans have been granted to 105 borrowers for a total disbursement of $871,760. Specific current interest rate and repayment terms are set by Guadalupe Credit Union in partnership with the Institute; contact the Institute for current terms.

Lender Match is a free online tool that connects small businesses with SBA-approved CDFIs and small lenders. Do not use if looking for Disaster loans. See this link: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/lender-match.

SBA Answer Desk

The SBA works with lenders to provide loans to small businesses. The agency doesn’t lend money directly to small business owners. Instead, it sets guidelines for loans made by its partnering lenders, community development organizations, and micro-lending institutions. The SBA reduces risk for lenders and makes it easier for them to access capital. That makes it easier for small businesses to get loans.



SBA does not lend directly and does not decide your application — "You will be applying for your loan directly through a local lender," and "The lender will provide you with a full list of eligibility requirements for your loan." SBA sets the outer boundary; the lender, CDC or microlender sets the credit terms.

The general test, verbatim: "In general, eligibility is based on what a business does to receive its income, the character of its ownership, and where the business operates. Normally, businesses must meet SBA size standards, be able to repay, and have a sound business purpose. Even those with bad credit may qualify for startup funding."

7(a) loans — "To be eligible for 7(a) loan assistance, businesses must: Be an operating business. Operate for profit. Be located in the U.S. Be small under SBA size requirements. Not be a type of ineligible business. Not be able to obtain the desired credit on reasonable terms from non-federal, non-state, and non-local government sources. Be creditworthy and demonstrate a reasonable ability to repay the loan." That sixth test is a real gate: SBA credit must be unavailable to you elsewhere on reasonable terms.

504 loans — "To be eligible for a 504 loan, your business must: Be an operating business. Operate for profit. Be located in the U.S. Be small under SBA size requirements. Not be a type of ineligible business." Plus "falling within SBA size guidelines, having qualified management expertise, a feasible business plan, good character and the ability to repay the loan." And a hard exclusion: "Loans cannot be made to businesses engaged in nonprofit, passive, or speculative activities." Use is limited to fixed assets — not working capital or inventory, and not "speculation or investment in rental real estate."

Microloans — "To be eligible for a microloan, businesses must: Not be a type of ineligible business. Be an operating business. Operate for profit. Be located in the U.S. Be small under SBA size requirements." Certain not-for-profit childcare centers are also eligible. Proceeds "cannot be used to pay existing debts or to purchase real estate."

7(a) Working Capital Pilot adds an operating-history test: consider it if your business "Has at least one-year of operating history" and "Can produce timely and accurate financial statements, accounts receivable and accounts payable agings, and inventory reports."

What is not published here. SBA's "type of ineligible business" list is a separate document these pages only link to, and no farm- or agriculture-specific rule appears anywhere on the three program pages — so whether a particular farm operation qualifies is a question for your lender, CDC, or microlender, not something SBA answers on these pages. No acreage, commodity, income floor, or audience restriction applies. Nationwide (business must be US-located). Start with Lender Match (https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/lender-match) — not for disaster loans, which are a separate program.

SBA does not lend directly — "You will be applying for your loan directly through a local lender" — it guarantees loans made by banks, CDCs and nonprofit intermediaries. Three programs, three sets of terms:

7(a) loans (the main program: working capital, refinancing, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, changes of ownership)
- "The maximum loan amount for a 7(a) loan is $5 million."
- Repayment: "Most 7(a) term loans are repaid with monthly payments of principal and interest from the cash flow of the business." Rates may be fixed or variable; on variable loans "the lender may require a different payment amount when the interest rate changes."
- The 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (monitored lines of credit) publishes its own terms: maximum loan amount $5,000,000; SBA guarantee "85% $150,000 or less / 75% if greater than $150,000"; "Maximum loan maturity 60 months"; and interest-rate caps of base rate +6.5% ($50,000 or less), +6.0% ($50,001–$250,000), +4.5% ($250,001–$350,000), +3.0% ($350,001 and greater). Requires at least one year of operating history.

504 loans (fixed assets only — buildings, land, long-life machinery; through Certified Development Companies)
- "The maximum loan amount for a 504 loan is $5.5 million."
- "Long-term, fixed rate financing"; rate is "Pegged to an increment above the current market rate for 10-year U.S. Treasury issues."
- Fees "Total[] approximately 3% of the debt, rate may be financed with the loan."
- Maturity: "10-, 20- and 25-year maturity terms are available."
- Cannot be used for working capital or inventory, or for speculation/rental real estate.

Microloans (through nonprofit intermediary lenders)
- "The microloan program provides loans up to $50,000... The average microloan is about $13,000."
- "Maximum repayment term allowed for an SBA microloan is seven years."
- "Interest rates vary depending on the intermediary lender — Generally, between 8%-13%."

Across the board. "SBA-guaranteed loans generally have rates and fees that are comparable to non-guaranteed loans," with "Lower down payments, flexible overhead requirements, and no collateral needed for some loans." For 7(a) you must "Not be able to obtain the desired credit on reasonable terms from non-federal, non-state, and non-local government sources" and must "Be creditworthy and demonstrate a reasonable ability to repay the loan." Businesses must be for-profit, US-based and small under SBA size standards. Exact rate, fees and collateral are set by your lender, not by SBA.

Applications open August 3 and are accepted through August 31, 2026. Electronic submission is encouraged and applications may be emailed to oysterloans@marbidco.org, or mailed to MARBIDCO, Attn: Oyster Relief Loans, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403. For additional information, contact MARBIDCO at 410-267-6807.

MARBIDCO — Oyster/Aquaculture Loans

The Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Disaster Relief Loan Program provides zero-interest loans of $10,000 to eligible shellfish aquaculture producers to help cover personal and business expenses associated with their oyster farming operations. It assists Maryland oyster farmers impacted by a difficult year marked by declining markets, adverse weather, and environmental disruptions.



Eligible shellfish aquaculture producers may receive a zero-interest loan of $10,000 while funding remains available.

Zero-interest ($10,000) loan. Repayment begins February 1, 2027 in 10 equal quarterly principal payments; no collateral security is required. Loan forgiveness: an amount equal to the final two quarterly payments is forgiven for good repayment performance - if a borrower makes the first 80% of required payments on time or early, the remaining 20% is not due. Borrowers more than 90 days late on a quarterly payment lose forgiveness eligibility and owe the entire balance plus late fees and default interest. If a borrower holding a Tidal Fish License (TFL) is more than 90 days late, MARBIDCO notifies DNR, which may not approve a transfer of the TFL until the borrower becomes compliant.

The SOIL Loan Fund is no longer accepting applications — ANCA lists it as a past project and its former program page (adirondack.org/SOIL) now returns a 404. While active, interested producers contacted ANCA's Local Food Systems program at localfoodsystems@adirondack.org or 518.891.6200 for information about the application process, and Foodshed Capital handled financial due diligence and borrower information collection. Producers seeking ANCA financing today should look at the ANCA Bridge Loan Program on the same Access to Financing page. Foodshed Capital continues to offer its own low- and zero-interest lending (https://www.foodcap.org/lending), but its current site no longer names the SOIL Loan Fund.

Adirondack North Country Association

General inquiries

Jon Ignatowski

Manager of Food Systems Business

The SOIL Loan program — a collaboration between the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) and Foodshed Capital — was established in 2022 to provide flexible, zero-interest financing to small farm and food businesses to help them grow, increase their stability, and strengthen food system security. The SOIL Loan Fund was designed to support food producers who have difficulty accessing financing through&#x2004;conventional loan programs due to challenges and risks inherent in small-scale farming.


**Status:** ANCA now lists the SOIL Loan Fund under "Past Project" on its Access to Financing page and describes it in the past tense; ANCA's current financing offer is the ANCA Bridge Loan Program. Loans supported North Country projects including a commercial composting operation, a specialty butcher shop, climate-controlled storage for a tree nursery, a walk-in freezer for pastured meats, a tractor, and retail freezers for direct meat marketing.



The SOIL Loan program — a collaboration between the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) and Foodshed Capital — was established in 2022 to provide flexible, zero-interest financing to small farm and food businesses to help them grow, increase their stability, and strengthen food system security. The SOIL Loan Fund was designed to support food producers who have difficulty accessing financing through conventional loan programs due to challenges and risks inherent in small-scale farming.

Status: ANCA now lists the SOIL Loan Fund under "Past Project" on its Access to Financing page and describes it in the past tense; ANCA's current financing offer is the ANCA Bridge Loan Program. Loans supported North Country projects including a commercial composting operation, a specialty butcher shop, climate-controlled storage for a tree nursery, a walk-in freezer for pastured meats, a tractor, and retail freezers for direct meat marketing.

Small farm and food businesses in ANCA's northern New York (North Country) service region, specifically food producers who have difficulty accessing financing through conventional loan programs due to the challenges and risks inherent in small-scale farming. The fund was developed with particular attention to marginalized populations with a history of exclusion from agriculture. Foodshed Capital, a certified Community Development Financial Institution, conducted the financial due diligence and implemented the fund.

- ANCA Access to Financing page: https://www.adirondack.org/access-to-financing/
- ANCA launch press release (May 17, 2022): https://www.adirondack.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Press-release_-ANCA-Launches-SOIL-Loan-Fund-for-Farmers-and-Food-Producers.pdf
- First SOIL loan announcement (Sept 21, 2022): https://www.adirondack.org/press-release/anca-and-foodshed-capital-announce-first-small-farm-soil-loan/
- ANCA Food Systems program: https://www.adirondack.org/our-work/food-systems/
- Foodshed Capital: https://foodcap.org/

- Zero-interest (0%) loans, flexible terms
- Loan amounts between $5,000 and $45,000
- $100,000 revolving fund; first phase launched May 2022 with $100,000 from donations and a Generous Acts Fund grant from Adirondack Foundation
- Loans coupled with direct technical assistance such as bookkeeping, marketing assistance, and advanced business plan development
- Implemented in partnership with Foodshed Capital, a certified Community Development Financial Institution

List of Agricultural Funding for Microloan