United States of America Currency
Updated: March 24, 2021
By Ginger S. Myers

Show Me the Money-Finding Funding for Your Business

Whether a new farmer/food entrepreneur or an established operation, you’re probably going to need to finance some aspect of your business. There are various loan programs for farmers and food entrepreneurs. There are also some specific grant programs, but these are very specific and very competitive to obtain. Obtaining grants require a lot of work, often have delayed payments or require an up-front investment, and are not a reliable source of income. This article provides guidance for evaluating if your needs qualify for the grant’s targeted outcomes and how best to apply for a grant.

Loan programs often have specified forms and financial requirements to qualify. This site is used to determine eligibility for certain USDA loan programs. In order to be eligible for many USDA loans, household income must meet certain guidelines. Also, the home to be purchased must be located in an eligible rural area as defined by USDA.

https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

A common complaint from farmers pursuing loans is the amount of paperwork involved. But for some farmers, a loan can help accomplish critical pieces of a business plan. When visiting with a loan officer, be prepared by having your request, your business plan, and supporting materials along with you. Here are some sites with more information on farm loads.

Whether applying for a loan or grant, you should first consider how much debt you are willing and able to carry. You can avoid or minimize your debt load by considering strategies to reduce your costs. For example renting or leasing land, starting small or starting part-time, acquiring used equipment, or custom hiring for some tasks.

Regardless of which programs you decide to take advantage of, a written business plan is a requirement for almost all of them. Working on your business plan will help you identify your specific financial needs and assist you in writing clear project objectives and detailed budget projections.

These sites provide templates and guidance for developing and writing your business plan:

  • AgPlan is a powerful website developed to help rural businesses develop a business plan. AgPlan is free of charge for anyone to use individually or in educational programs. It is designed to provide customized assistance to different types of rural businesses. https://agplan.umn.edu/
     
  • Farm Business Planning Workbook and Accompanying Resources

Choosing Which Grants Apply to You?

  1. You’ve just read about a grant program that is now accepting applications and you wonder if you should apply for the funding.  Grant writing is time-consuming. Determining where and which grants will give you the best return on the time you invest in the application is your first step. This process involves:  

    * Developing a clear picture of what you need and the amount of funds need to accomplish your goals.

    * Determining which grants you are eligible to apply for. Read the grant eligibility terms carefully to see if you meet their requirements and can provide the documentation requested.

    * Selecting the grants that seem to be the best fit for your needs; knowing your goals match their parameters for  funding.
     
  2. Research the types of projects the funder has historically supported in the past. Funders’ websites often list previous and/or current projects they’re funding. Look at the formatting, goals, and word choice of appeals similar to yours to help you design your grant application.
     
  3. Begin drafting the two major sections of what will become your completed application- the project overview and the budget. Much of this information can be minded from your business plan.  Work on these two sections simultaneously to detail your exact project and the dollar amounts need to accomplish the project.  Work at clarifying these two sections until each goal is reflected in the proposed budget and each budget expense can be justified for accomplishing your goals.

Writing Successful Grant Applications

  1. Determine your eligibility. Be sure your project, and possible participants, meet all the funders' requirements or your application may be deemed ineligible.
     
  2. Create a timeline for collecting your information, supporting documents, writing the proposal, and timely submission. You must meet the grant’s deadline for submission or the grant application will be deemed ineligible. If the submission is to be uploaded electronically, be sure you have registered with the site, if required, and give yourself several days of lead time for downed servers, computer glitches, or on-line delays. Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application online. The receiving system may already have many other applications in its queue and may time-out before your application is received. Or, your application may upload after the specified closing time and be deemed ineligible.
     
  3. Develop a checklist of all the requested documentation requested in the grant’s call for proposals. Pay careful attention to the formatting and organizational outline required for these documents. These usually include, but are not limited to: a project overview, detailed description of the project, an implementation plan, summary, proposed budget, and a detailed budget justification page. The grantor may also request supporting financial statements and letters of support from collaborators.
     
  4. Write a convincing grant proposal. As stated earlier, most grants have specific writing guidelines including a list of items to address. Be sure to stick close to those guidelines. Keep your language plain and straightforward. Be very clear about your goals, needs, how you plan to be successful with the assistance of the grant’s funding. Include the resources, partners, and personal attributes that you bring to the project that will make it successful.
     
  5. State your outcomes in measurable units and make your purpose clear. Use real numbers such as how much more production, how many animals, how many acres, or how many more clients served. Be careful not to inflate these numbers that can make reporting final results more difficult.
     
  6. Once your proposal is written, begin the process of heavy editing. Have someone else read through your proposal for clarity. Check for errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar and for font consistencies. Your proposal will be strengthened if your request includes some of the language used in the call for applications. If you “mirror” the funders' language or terms, they are more likely to see a direct correlation between your project and their desired outcomes.

    For example, if the grantor states the funding is to be used to help develop sales of local produce, your proposal should include language that reflects this. A response could read, “Funding from this grant will assist in purchasing equipment for building raised beds on our farm. This will increase our crop yields, providing more locally grown product to sell at our farm stand and our local farmers market.” Matching the language of the grants lets evaluators know you have carefully read the grant’s goals and your proposal is a good match for this type of funding.

Grants for farming or specialty food businesses are very competitive. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get funded right away. The more grants you apply for overtime, the better your chances to be funded.

Grant and Loans for Farmers and Food Entrepreneurs

Grants

Barnraiser (online fundraising)

Agency: Barnraiser
Type: Grant
Source: Crowdfunding
Website: barnraiser.us
Description: Raise funds for food and farming-related projects by attracting online donations.
Amount: Any amount
Matching Requirement: None
Special Requirements:
Application Period: Anytime

Conservation Innovation Grants
Agency: USDA-NRCSType: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp/
Contact: your Maryland field office
Description: The Conservation Innovation Grants are aimed to help encourage the development and implementation of innovative conservation practices on agricultural land. About 10% of the funding for these grants is designated towards historically under-served and veteran farmers.
Amount: 
Matching Requirement: 50% or more of the total cost of the project.
Special Requirements: Must be eligible for Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP).
Application Period: Ongoing

Farm to School Grant Program

Agency: USDA-FSA
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool/farm-school-grant-program
Contact: USDA Farm to School Grant Program at farmtoschool@fns.usda.gov
Description: Provides funding to groups that initiate or implement farm to school programs.
Amount: Varies
Matching Requirement: 25% match
Special Requirements: Schools eligible for planning & implementation grants. Producers, producer networks, and agencies are eligible for support service & training grants.
Application Period: Information on FY2022 will be posted later this year

Farmer Grants

Agency: Northeast SARE
Type: Grant
Source: Nonprofit
Website: nesare.org/Grants/Get-a-Grant/Farmer-Grant
Description: Provides funding to "commercial producers who have an innovative idea they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other technique."
Matching Requirement:
Special Requirements: Producers must have a technical advisor that is an extension agent, crop adviser, or another professional.
Application Period: Call for proposals will be released in late summer with a fall application deadline.

Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund

Agency: Farmer Veteran Coalition
Type: Grant
Source: Non for profit
Website: farmvetco.org/about-us/our-programs/farming-fellowship/
Contact: Fellowship manager, Rachel Petitt, rachel@farmvetco.org
Description: This fund is for veterans who are getting started in farming or ranching. The monies of this fund are not given directly to the farmers, but instead to third parties for the purchase of items essential for getting started in farming and ranching such as equipment.
Amount:
Matching Requirement:
Special Requirements: 1) Applicants must have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, 2) for veterans, the applicant must have had an honorable discharge, 3) for active service members, must have a letter of command support, 4) all applicants must have a farm plan, 5) all applicants must be willing to participate fully in the fellowship program activities such as reporting progress, mentoring other aspiring veteran farmers, and representing the Farmer Veteran Coalition at events, 5) all applicants must have a desire to make a positive impact on the veteran community involved in farming.
Application Period: FY2021 is closed.

Fund-a-Farmer Grants

Agency: Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT)
Type: Grant
Source: Nonprofit
Website: https://foodanimalconcernstrust.org/grants/
Contact: Larissa McKenna,  FACT’s Humane Farming Program Director, at grants@foodanimalconcerns.org or at (773) 525-4952 with questions.
Description: Funds grants for raising animals humanely. Two types of projects are eligible, (1) Animal Welfare Certification Projects; (2) Pasture Improvement Projects.
Amount: Up to $2,500
Matching Requirement: None
Special Requirements: Farms must be animal welfare-oriented.
Application Period: will begin accepting applications in the fall.

Kickstarter (online fundraising)

Agency: Kickstarter
Type: Grant
Source: Crowdfunding
Website: kickstarter.com
Contact:
Description: Raise funds for any project by attracting online donations.
Amount: Any amount
Matching Requirement: None
Special Requirements:
Application Period: Anytime

Local Food Promotion Program Implementation Grants

Agency: USDA-AMS
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp
Contact: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service at 202-720-0933 or any of the following grant writing specialist: Kim Harmon at Kim.Harmon@ams.usda.gov, Velma Lakins at Velma.Lakins@ams.usda.gov, Zoemi Ramos at Zoemi.Santiago@ams.usda.gov.
Description: Helps to fund the establishment or expansion of a "local or regional food business enterprise."
Amount: $100,000 - $500,000
Matching Requirement: 25% match
Special Requirements: Eligible entities may apply if they support local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products.
Application Period: opens early spring

Local Food Promotion Program Planning Grants

Agency: USDA-AMS
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp
Contact: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service at 202-720-0933 or any of the following grant writing specialist: Kim Harmon at Kim.Harmon@ams.usda.gov, Velma Lakins at Velma.Lakins@ams.usda.gov, Zoemi Ramos at Zoemi.Santiago@ams.usda.gov.
Description: Helps fund the planning stages of a "local or regional food business enterprise"
Amount: $25,000 - $100,000
Matching Requirement: 25% match
Special Requirements: Eligible entities may apply if they support local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products.
Application Period: opens in early spring


Maryland Agriculture and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO)

Agency: MARBIDCO
Type: Grants and Loans
Source: State
Website: http://www.marbidco.org/
Contact: info@marbidco.org or call (410) 267-6807
Description: MARBIDCO is a quasi-public economic development organization chartered by the State of Maryland and headquartered in Annapolis.  Its mission is to help Maryland's (typically small and family owned) farm, forestry, and seafood businesses to prosper through the provision of targeted financial and other services that helps retain existing resource-based industry production and commerce, promote rural entrepreneurship, and nurture emerging or expanding agricultural enterprises.
Amount:
Matching Requirement:
Special Requirements: Depends on type of loan or grant
Application Period: Variable

Organic Certification Cost Share Programs

Agency: USDA-AMS
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/occsp
Contact: Tona Huggins, Program Policy Branch Chief, (202) 720–6825, Tona.Huggins@
wdc.usda.gov.
Description: Helps fund part of the cost of organic certification
Amount: Up to 75% of certification cost, not to exceed $750
Matching Requirement: 25% match
Special Requirements:
Application Period: application opens in August and closes the beginning of Septemeber

Organic Farming Research Foundation

Agency: Organic Farming Research Foundation
Type: Grant
Source: Nonprofit
Website: http://ofrf.org/home
Contact: OFRF Research Grants Department by phone at (831) 426.6606 or e-mail grants@ofrf.org.
Description: OFRF offers funding for research on organic farming and food systems and the dissemination of these research results to organic farmers and the greater agricultural and research communities. Proposals must involve farmers or ranchers in project design and implementation and must take place on certified organic land, ideally on working organic farms or ranches.
Amount: Up to $20,000
Matching Requirement:
Special Requirements:
Application Period: Every year, the grant cycle begins when the request for Letters of Intent (LOI) is posted on the OFRF website and announced in an OFRF newsletter, typically in July. The LOI submission period is 6-8 weeks long.

Partnership Grant Program

Agency: Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE)
Type: Grant
Source: Nonprofit
Website: https://northeast.sare.org/grants/get-a-grant/partnership-grant-program/
Contact:  802-651-8335
Description: "Partnership Grants are reserved for agricultural service providers--extension staff, nonprofits, consultants, state departments of agriculture, and others working in the agricultural community--who want to conduct on-farm demonstrations, research, marketing, and other projects with farmers as active cooperators."
Amount: Up to $30,000
Matching Requirement:
Special Requirements:
Application Period: Online submission system opens in March and proposals are due in Early April.

Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loan & Grants

Agency: USDA Rural Development
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency
Contact: Bruce Weaver at bruce.weaver@usda.gov or by phone (302) 857-3629
Description: The Rural Energy for America Program "provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements."
Amount: Up to $20,000
Matching Requirement:
Special Requirements: 50% of gross income must come from the agricultural operation.
Application Period:

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)

Agency: USDA-NIFA
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/small-business-innovation-research-program-phase-i
Contact: Kelly Mcdonald, Division of Bioenergy, kelly.mcdonald2@usda or by phone (816) 926-2661
Description: Awards grants to small businesses to partake in research that could be of benefit to the public. American-owned, independently operated, for-profit businesses with 500 employees or fewer. Looking for "innovative ideas and technology, resulting in more jobs and long-term commercial value."
Amount: Phase I: Up to $100,000
Matching Requirement:
Special Requirements:
Application Period: opens in August and the submission deadline is in October.

Value-Added Producers Grants

Agency: USDA Rural Development
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants
Contact: Scott Kessell, Acting State Director at (302) 857-3580
Description: "The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals of this program. You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain. Grants are awarded through a national competition. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register and through an announcement posted on Grants.gov."
Amount: Up to $75,000 for planning grants and $250,000 for working grants.
Matching Requirement: 50% of the total project cost
Special Requirements:
Application Period: applications due in March.

Loans

Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans

Agency: USDA-FSA
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/beginning-farmers-and-ranchers-loans/index
Contact: Maryland State Office
Description: The Farm Service Agency Loans for Beginner Farmers and Ranchers are aimed to help those who have not been operating for less than 10 years and owns an operation that is 30% of the typical size in America. The "Farm Ownership loans can provide access to land and capital. Operating loans can assist beginning farmers in become prosperous and competitive by helping to pay normal operating or family living expenses; open doors to new markets and marketing opportunities; assist with diversifying operations; and so much more. Through the Microloan programs, beginning farmers and ranchers have an important source of financial assistance during the start-up years."
Amount: Ownership and operating loans: $300,000; Microloans: $50,000
Matching Requirement:
b Depends on the type of loan. You will need to refer to the website or speak with your local FSA representative. The ownership loans should not exceed 45% of the purchase price or appraisal value of the ranch or farm.
Application Period: Ongoing

Disaster Loans

Agency: USDA Small Business Administration

Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/
Contact: US Small Business Administration, Answer Desk PH: 800-827-5722, Disaster Loans PH: 800-659-2955, or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
Description: SBA Disaster Loan program is open to businesses, homeowners, nonprofit organizations, and renters for the use towards things like repair and replacement of things such as business assets, equipment, inventory, machinery, personal property, and real estate in a declared disaster event.
Amount: Up to $2 million
Matching Requirements: 
Special Requirements: Must be in regards to a declared disaster.
Application Period: Ongoing

Emergency Farm Loans
Agency: USDA FSA
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-loans/index
Contact:
Description: "The Emergency loan program is triggered when a natural disaster is designated by the Secretary of Agriculture or a natural disaster or emergency is declared by the President under the Stafford Act. These loans help producers who suffer qualifying farm related losses directly caused by the disaster in a county declared or designated as a primary disaster or quarantine area. Also, farmers located in counties that are contiguous to the declared, designated, or quarantined area may qualify for Emergency loans.
For production losses, a 30% reduction in a primary crop in a designated or contiguous county is required. Losses to quality, such as receiving a 30% reduced price for flood damaged crops, may be eligible for assistance, too."
Amount: Up to $500,000 but depends on actual production or physical loss.
Matching Requirements:
Special Requirements: Declaration of a natural disaster or emergency such as in the case after a tornado, flood, drought, or quarantine. Must be repaid within 12 months.
Application Period: After a declaration of a natural disaster or emergency.

Farm Loans

Agency: MidAtlantic Farm Credit
Type: Loan
Source: Private
Website: https://www.mafc.com/loans/farm-loans
Contact: https://www.mafc.com/contact-us
Description: Whether you need money for fertilizer, seed purchases, labor costs or animal purchases, a farm operating loan can help you manage your purchases more efficiently.
Amount:
Matching Requirements:
Special Requirements:
Application Period: Ongoing

Farm Operating Loan

Agency: USDA FSA
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/farm-operating-loans/index
Contact:
Description: "FSA’s Direct Farm Operating loans are a valuable resource to start, maintain and strengthen a farm or ranch. For new agricultural producers, FSA direct farm operating loans provide an essential gateway into agricultural production by financing the cost of operating a farm. All FSA direct loans are financed and serviced by the Agency through local Farm Loan Officers and Farm Loan Managers. The funding comes from Congressional appropriations as part of the USDA budget."
Amount: $400,000
Matching Requirements:
Special Requirements:
Application Period: Ongoing

Farm Ownership Loans

Agency: USDA FSA
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/farm-ownership-loans/index
Contact:
Description: The Farm Service Agency Loans "help farmers and ranchers become owner-operators of family farms, improve and expand current operations, increase agricultural productivity, and assist with land tenure to save farmland for future generations." No previous ownership of farm or ranch is required.
Amount: Up to $600,000 (300,150 for Beginning Farmer Down Payment)
Matching Requirements:
Special Requirements: Loan will not exceed 45% of the farm or ranch purchase price or appraisal value. Also, financing from FSA and other sources must not exceed 95% of the purchase price.
Application Period: Ongoing

Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL)
Agency: USDA FSA
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/facility-loans/farm-storage/index
Contact:
Description: The FSA Farm Storage and Facility loans are geared towards producers looking to build or upgrade any facilities that would be used for storage of commodities as well as portable units and trucks used in the handling of the commodities in storage.
Amount: The maximum loan amount for storage facilities is $500,000; The maximum loan amount for storage and handling trucks is $100,000.
Matching Requirements:
Special Requirements:
Application Period: Ongoing

Kiva Zip Loans

Agency: Kiva
Type: Loan
Source: Crowdfunding
Website: https://borrow.kiva.org/borrow
Contact: https://www.kiva.org/help/contact-us
Description: Raise funds for a 0% interest loan by attracting online lenders.
Amount: $25 - $10,000
Matching requirement: None
Special requirements:
Application period: Anytime

Maryland Agriculture and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO)

Agency: MARBIDCO
Type: Grants and Loans
Source: State
Website: http://www.marbidco.org/
Contact: info@marbidco.org or call (410) 267-6807
Description: MARBIDCO is a quasi-public economic development organization chartered by the State of Maryland and headquartered in Annapolis.  Its mission is to help Maryland's (typically small and family owned) farm, forestry, and seafood businesses to prosper through the provision of targeted financial and other services that helps retain existing resource-based industry production and commerce, promote rural entrepreneurship, and nurture emerging or expanding agricultural enterprises.
Amount:
Matching Requirement:
Special Requirements: Depends on type of loan or grant
Application Period: Variable

Microloan Program

Agency: USDA Small Business Administration
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/microloans
Contact: SBA District Office
Description: The SBA Microloan program provides loans to help small businesses cover start-up and expansion fees. These loans can be used as working capital and for things like equipment, fixtures, inventory, and supplies.
Amount: Up to $50,000
Matching Requirements: 
Special Requirements: 
Application Period: Ongoing

Microloans Program

Agency: USDA FSA
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/microloans/index
Contact: local office or USDA Service Center
Description: The USDA FSA Microloan program is aimed at helping new, nontraditional, and small farms with participating in direct and wholesale marketing. In terms of the Direct Farm Ownership microloans can help with down payments on a farm, improving farm facilities, and SWCD projects. Direct Farm Operating microloans can be used towards the cost of things like beekeeping equipment, fencing, fertilizer, GAP certification, irrigation, land rent, livestock, maple syrup equipment, milking equipment, organic certification, OSHA compliance, and seeds.
Amount: Up to $50,000
Matching Requirements:
Special Requirements: 1) Must have no criminal record, 2) must have ability to obtain legal counsel, 3) have a good credit record, 4) be a US citizen, 5) have no forgiveness of previous debt, 6) owe no taxes to the IRS, or 7) have a previous violation to any FSA crop insurance.
Application Period: Ongoing

Rural Energy For America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants
Agency: USDA Rural Development
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency
Contact: Bruce Weaver at bruce.weaver@usda.gov or by phone (302) 857-3629
Description: The Rural Energy for America program provides loans and grants to help agricultural producers and small businesses of rural areas invest to purchase and install renewable energy systems and/or improve their energy efficiency.
Amount: Loans: greater than $5,000. Grants up to $500,000
Matching Requirements: Loans: at least 25% of total cost. Grants: 75% of total project costs. Loan and Grant Combined: at least 25% of total project costs.
Special Requirements: 1) Agricultural producers must have at least 50% of gross income coming from their agricultural operation. 2) Small business must be in one of the eligible regions. 3) Applicants must not owe any money to the federal government.
Application Period: Applications for Grants of $20,000 or Less and Loan/Grant of $20,000 or Less Combo Applications due by Nov. 2, 2020, or March 31, 2021.

Small Business Loans

Agency: USDA Small Business Administration
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans
Contact:  
Description: Primarily, SBA is a guarantor of loans made by private and other institutions. These loans are geared towards helping businesses out and are determine on things such as ownership, place of operation, and practices.
Amount: Up to $5 million
Matching Requirements:
Special Requirements: 1) Must be for profit, 2) be a small business as defined by SBA, 3) do business in the USA, 4) have invested equity, 5) have a demonstrated need for a loan, 6) must the funds solely for the business, and 7) don't owe any money to the US government.
Application Period: Ongoing

Youth Loans
Agency: USDA FSA
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/youth-loans/index
Contact:
Description: The FSA Youth Loans are directed towards youth who are involved in 4-H, FFA, and other agricultural youth groups. These loans provides funds which allow youth to start and operate projects aimed at producing income. All projects require an adult adviser with appropriate experience to oversee the youth projects and give help whenever needed.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Matching Requirements:
Special Requirements: 1) An adult adviser with appropriate experience to oversee the project, 2) involvement in 4-H, FFA, or another agricultural youth group, 3) Parental consent for the loan closing, 4) project must contain an agricultural and educational component, 5) project must make enough to repay loan an interest.
Application Period: Ongoing

 

 

 

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