Lends to farms, food hubs, forestry and nature-based businesses across WV, VA, NC, TN, KY, OH, MD and SC, pairing loans with hands-on business coaching.
The eligibility and application details below are general guidance for this kind of program, not text copied from the funder. The facts above — who runs it, how much, and when it closes — are hand-checked. Always confirm specifics on the official page.
Am I eligible?
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Non-profits, co-ops, and community organizations may apply
Beginning, veteran, and historically underserved producers are prioritized
Credit history, repayment ability, and collateral are reviewed
Business plan and cash-flow projections generally required
How to apply
1Talk to a NCIFund (Appalachia & Southeast) loan officer about the size and purpose of the loan
2Assemble financials: balance sheet, income history, and projections
3Submit the application with your business plan and collateral information
4Respond to underwriting questions, then close and draw funds
What you'll need
Farm or business name, address, and tax ID / EIN
Three years of tax returns (or projections if you're just starting)
Current balance sheet and cash-flow projection
Business plan and description of what the loan will buy
Collateral list and any existing debt schedule
Timeline & contact
Typically 30–90 days from application to closing, faster for microloans
Get help: NCIFund (Appalachia & Southeast) — contact details are on the official program page
Ready to apply?
Applications go through NCIFund (Appalachia & Southeast), not through this site. Open the official page below for eligibility rules, forms, and contacts. For federal programs it's worth calling your local USDA Service Center or Cooperative Extension office first — they help with paperwork for free and know what your county actually funds.
Coastal Enterprises / Maine Farmland Trust partnership
Rolling
Northern New England lending for farm purchase, infrastructure and working capital, including a dedicated fund for beginning and diversified farms alongside business advising.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Colorado CDFI offering microloans through larger term loans for farms, food trucks, processors and value-added producers, with credit standards well below a bank's.
Farm or business must operate in CO
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply