BAV Revolving Loan Fund

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.

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.

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