What does this program do?
This program offers loan guarantees to rural businesses.
What is considered an eligible area?
- Rural areas outside of a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 people.
- The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city as long as the project is located in an eligible rural area.
- The lender may be located anywhere in the United States.
- Projects may be funded in rural and urban areas under the Local and Regional Food System Initiative. Check eligible addresses for Business Programs.
How may guaranteed loan funds be used?
- Eligible uses include (but are not limited to):
- Business conversion, enlargement, repair, modernization or development.
- The purchase and development of land, easements, rights-of-way, buildings or facilities.
- The purchase of equipment, leasehold improvements, machinery, supplies or inventory.
- Debt refinancing when refinancing improves cash flow and creates jobs.
- Business and industrial acquisitions when the loan will maintain business operations and create or save jobs.
What Collateral Is Required?
Collateral must have documented value sufficient to protect the interest of the lender and the Agency. The discounted collateral value must be at least equal to the loan amount. Lenders will discount collateral consistent with sound loan-to-value policy. Hazard insurance is required on collateral (equal to the loan amount or depreciated replacement value, whichever is less).
Maximum Discounted Value
- Real Estate: 80 percent of fair market value.
- Equipment: 70 percent of fair market value.
- Inventory: 60 percent of book value (raw inventory and finished goods only).
- Accounts Receivable: 60 percent of book value (less than 90 days).
What is the maximum amount of a loan guarantee?
- 80 percent for loans up to $5 million.
- 70 percent for loans between $5 and $10 million.
- 60 percent for loans exceeding $10 million, up to $25 million maximum.
What are the loan terms?
- Maximum term on real estate is 30 years.
- Maximum term on machinery and equipment is for its useful life or 15 years, whichever is less.
- Maximum term on working capital is not to exceed 7 years. Loans must be fully amortized; balloon payments are not permitted.
- Interest-only payments may be scheduled in the first 3 years.