Vermont Farm Fund Business Builder Loan

The Business Builder Loan program was launched in June 2012. This loan program supports Vermont farms and food producers and those who directly support the growing of the VT food system. The loans are for businesses to invest and innovate for growth, increasing the availability of local foods in Vermont.

Examples of uses of a Business Builder Loan include:

• Development of a new crop, product, process, or market

• Business and/or financial planning for diversifying product lines

• Equipment and/or infrastructure investments to increase the efficiency of the business

• New kinds of infrastructure and equipment that would increase the amount of local food or local ingredients in a commonly used product

Business Builder loans are exclusively for Vermont farmers, those who own a Vermont food-related business whose primary inputs are Vermont farm products, and those who support Vermont farmers. VTFF focuses on small and midscale producers that are trying to build their businesses, and larger enterprises that are working on smaller, innovative projects and pilot business ventures.

Applications are reviewed and responded to within 10 business days, with most loan funds being granted to approved recipients within 14 business days.

Prepare the below materials and apply online here.

Application Checklist

1. Completed Application (Either fill them out in advance or complete online as you apply. Can be downloaded here: Word, PDF)

   1. During the application, you will be asked for the business tax ID (if any), as well as the social security numbers of all parties signing the loan. Note that all members of a partnership, as well as any corporate owner/officer with a 20% share or greater in the corporation must be listed on the application.

   2. The application also includes space for a high-level budget of the project you’ll be financing with the loan.

   3. You will also be asked for the contact information for three personal references we can speak to, including one person you have done business with.

2. A completed Financial Projections form (Templates available here: Excel,PDF)

3. Your most recent tax return (Schedule F for farm businesses, or personal return if you are a sole proprietor)

4. Balance Sheet (Optional)

5. Business plan or other supporting documentation (Optional)

• How to Apply