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

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.

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

Loan

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


Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Certification

High Tunnel

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

Trade Relief

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

Coronavirus

Fencing

Trees

Weather

Wildfire

Farmers Market

Drought

Flood

Hurricane

Tornado

Legal & Finance

Emergency

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.

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.

Food Systems

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


Buildings

Construction

Greenhouse

HVAC

Irrigation

Lighting

Repairs

Storage

Weeds

Nutrition & Food Safety

Inputs

Nutrient Management

Research

Compliance

Disaster Relief

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.

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

Español

Native Americans

People Of Color

Women

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.

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.



List of Agricultural Funding for Microloan