Part B · Startup-relevant scheme
USDA Farm Service Agency Microloans (FSA Microloans)
US Department of Agriculture (Farm Service Agency)
Loan / Credit
IdeationSeed / Early-Stage
Agriculture & Food
FSA microloans are direct government loans (not lender-guaranteed) designed for small and non-traditional farm operations, with relaxed experience and collateral requirements to reach beginning farmers.
Type of support
Loan / Credit
Best suited for
Ideation / Early-Stage
Headline amount
Up to $50,000
Objectives
Fill a financing gap for small-scale, niche, and beginning agricultural operations that conventional farm lenders and even standard FSA loans often don't fit well.
Who can apply?
- US citizen or legal resident operating or planning to operate a small, niche, or beginning farm.
- Modified (lower) requirements for managerial experience and collateral compared to standard FSA loans.
- Two types: Operating Microloans and Farm Ownership Microloans.
What do you get?
- Up to $50,000 direct from FSA.
- Operating microloans cover livestock, equipment, seed, and supplies.
- Ownership microloans cover land/building purchase and conservation improvements.
- Over 8,400 issued since 2013, with 70% going to beginning farmers.
How to apply
Apply directly through your local USDA Farm Service Agency county office.
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.