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USDA Rural Development Loans

Strengthening Communities with USDA Rural Development Loans

Self-Help partners with the USDA to offer three lending programs exclusive to rural-based small business and nonprofits — Business & Industry Guaranteed Loans, Community Facilities Guaranteed Loans and Rural Energy for America Program Guaranteed Loans.

A loan guarantee by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows Self-Help to make loans that may have higher risk for the following factors:

Weak collateral
High loan-to-values (limited borrower down payment)
Special purpose buildings (e.g., schools)
And more

rural america

Our Programs

Business & Industry Guaranteed Loans

Available to small businesses or nonprofit organizations in areas with 50,000 people or fewer
Up to an 80% loan guarantee on your loan
Eligible projects include:
- Building/land acquisition
- Equipment acquisition
- Construction of real estate improvements
- Debt refinance if new jobs will be created
Minimum loan size of $250,000
Flexible loan terms
Local business experience and expertise
Professional service, personal attention

Community Facilities Guaranteed Loans

Available to nonprofit organizations or public entities in areas with 20,000 people or fewer
Up to a 90% loan guarantee on your loan
Eligible projects include:
- Building/land acquisition
- Equipment acquisition
- Construction of real estate improvements
Minimum loan size of $250,000
Flexible loan terms
Local business experience and expertise
Professional service, personal attention

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Guaranteed Loans

Available to businesses or agricultural producers in areas with 50,000 people or fewer
Up to an 85% loan guarantee on your loan
Eligible projects include:
- Purchase, installation and/or construction of renewable energy systems
- Energy efficiency improvements

Minimum loan size of $250,000
Flexible loan terms
Local business experience and expertise
Professional service, personal attention