Forestry Equipment and Working Capital Loan Fund (Forestry EWC Loan Fund)

The Forestry Equipment and Working Capital Loan Fund addresses the financing needs of Maryland's forest products-related businesses for working capital and equipment purchases, helping them innovate, take advantage of emerging market opportunities, or make operations more sustainable. Both Eastern Shore and Western Shore forest products businesses are served.

Open to Maryland forest products-related businesses. A commercial lender must provide a referral letter and complete the attachment describing current loan obligations. Because of the highly leveraged nature of many forest products businesses, MARBIDCO's maximum outstanding aggregate portfolio balance under this program cannot exceed a total of $400,000; prospective applicants should contact the MARBIDCO office for guidance before completing an application.

Loans range from $15,000 to $150,000. Interest rate is established case-by-case based on anticipated credit risk, with a minimum fixed rate of 6.25%. Origination fee: 1% of loan amount. Typical equity requirement: 5-10% of project cost. Commercial lender participation is required.

All applications must be originated by the applicant (business professionals may assist) and sent to MARBIDCO Forestry Loan Program, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403, or bcadden@marbidco.org. Applications are processed as received.