Agriculture and Rural Business Loans: USDA B&I, Equipment, and Working Capital
Rural businesses and agricultural processors have access to specialized financing programs that urban businesses don't. USDA B&I offers up to $25M at 90% LTC with 30-year terms. Equipment financing and working capital are available for all credit profiles.
USDA Business & Industry Loans
The most underused federal loan program for rural businesses. Up to $25M, 90% LTC, 30-year terms. For businesses in markets under 50,000 population.
Agricultural Processors
Food processing, grain elevators, meat processing, dairy operations, and other ag-related businesses.
Rural Manufacturers
Manufacturing operations in rural markets. Equipment, real estate, working capital, and expansion financing.
Rural Healthcare
Medical practices, clinics, and healthcare facilities serving rural communities.
Any Rural Business
Any business needing growth capital in markets under 50,000 population. Real estate, equipment, working capital.
USDA B&I Key Terms
Maximum loan amount per borrower
USDA guarantees up to 80% of the loan, allowing lenders to go higher LTC
Long-term financing for real estate and equipment
Business must be located in a market under 50,000 population
Why USDA B&I Is Underused
Most rural businesses don't know USDA B&I exists. Most lenders don't offer it. PeerSense works with USDA-approved lenders who understand the program and can move quickly. If you're in a rural market and need growth capital, USDA B&I should be your first call.
Equipment Financing for Agriculture
Tractors, combines, irrigation systems, processing equipment. Credit-Qualified Operators. 680+ credit baseline. $500 to $100M.
Tractors & Combines
New and used agricultural equipment. Credit-Qualified Operators. $500 to $100M.
Irrigation Systems
Center pivot, drip irrigation, and water management systems. Lease or loan options.
Processing Equipment
Food processing, packaging, and production equipment for ag processors and manufacturers.
Specialty Equipment
Dairy equipment, livestock handling, grain storage, and other ag-specific machinery.
Working Capital for Agricultural Operations
Seasonal cash flow gaps, input financing, and inventory. Fast-funding options (24-48hr) for established operators.
Seasonal Cash Flow Gaps
Bridge the gap between planting and harvest, or between production cycles. Short-term working capital for seasonal operations.
Input Financing
Seed, fertilizer, feed, and other input costs. Fast-funding options available for established operators.
Inventory Financing
Finance inventory for ag processors and distributors. Asset-based lending against inventory and receivables.
Fast-Funding Options
For established agricultural operators with strong cash flow, fast-funding working capital is available in 24-48 hours. $7.5K–$1M+ depending on revenue and time in business.
Learn About Working CapitalSBA Loans for Rural Businesses
SBA 7(a) and 504 are available to rural businesses — these are often overlooked in favor of USDA but may be faster to execute.
SBA 7(a) for Rural Operations
Up to $8M for working capital, equipment, real estate, and business acquisitions. 10% down typical, 10-year fully amortizing. Available to rural businesses regardless of population size.
- Working capital and equipment
- Business acquisitions
- Real estate (owner-occupied)
- Faster than USDA in many cases
SBA 504 for Rural Real Estate
10% down on owner-occupied commercial real estate. Fixed rate, 20-25 year term. Ideal for rural businesses buying their own building or land.
- 10% down payment
- Fixed rate for 20-25 years
- Owner-occupied requirement
- Up to $5.5M for manufacturers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about agriculture and rural business financing
USDA Business & Industry (B&I) loans are federal loan guarantees for rural businesses in markets under 50,000 population. Up to $25M, 90% LTC, 30-year terms. Covers agricultural processors, rural manufacturers, rural healthcare, and any business needing growth capital in eligible rural markets. USDA guarantees up to 80% of the loan, allowing lenders to offer higher leverage and better terms.
Ready to Finance Your Agricultural Operation?
PeerSense identifies the right capital source from our network of 500+ lenders, private equity firms, and institutional advisors — and makes the introduction. You get a straight assessment of where your deal fits and a direct connection to the source most likely to close it.
Whether you need equipment financing, land acquisition funding, or working capital, we'll connect you with capital sources that understand agricultural operations and rural business economics.
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