Vermont Farm Fund Emergency Loan

Started in response to the devastation our Vermont farms suffered at the hands of Tropical Storm Irene, the VFF seeks to minimize the hurdles to secure a loan and receive funds to begin the recovery process. The maximum Emergency Loan amount is currently $15,000. This is a zero percent interest loan, payable over 36-48 months with a flexible payment schedule.

Examples of qualifying emergencies include loss of the below due to fire, flood, wind, drought and/or hail:

• Buildings

• Animals

• Equipment

• Greenhouses

• Hay fields

Qualifying applicants must be Vermont farmers or food producers who have suffered a devastating loss due to an unexpected natural disaster that puts their farm or farming career in danger. 

Businesses should be in otherwise good financial health, save for the unexpected natural disaster. The loan should help put the business back on track to profitability.

Cash shortfalls due to equipment failure, unanticipated business situations and/or insufficient cash flow not caused by nature do not qualify as emergencies for the sake of the loan.

Applications are reviewed and responded to within 10 business days. Most loan funds are granted 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)

Note: The application portal is shared among all of Vermont Farm Funds loan programs, make sure to apply for anEmergency Loan.

• How to Apply