Part B · Startup-relevant scheme
USDA Business & Industry Loan Guarantee (B&I Guaranteed Loan)
US Department of Agriculture (Rural Development)
Loan / Credit
Growth / Scaling
Agriculture & Food
The B&I program guarantees a large share of a private lender's loan to a for-profit or nonprofit business located outside cities/towns over 50,000 people, aimed at preserving and growing rural jobs.
Type of support
Loan / Credit
Best suited for
Growth
Headline amount
Up to $25,000,000
How much
Up to $25M (up to 80% guarantee)
Objectives
Make rural businesses bankable by absorbing most of a private lender's downside risk, unlocking financing rural areas otherwise struggle to attract.
Who can apply?
- Business located in an eligible rural area (generally under 50,000 population).
- Borrower must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (for individuals) or otherwise eligible entity.
- Loan must be through an approved private, cooperative, or credit-union lender.
What do you get?
- Guarantee generally up to 80% of the loan.
- Loans up to $25 million per borrower.
- Usable for expansion, land/building/equipment purchase, refinancing, or business acquisition to save or create jobs.
How to apply
Apply through an eligible private lender participating in USDA's OneRD Guaranteed Loan Initiative; the lender submits the guarantee request to USDA Rural Development.
Key links
Details as most recently confirmed against the official source linked above. Deadlines, amounts and windows change — verify on the official portal before applying.