Joint Agency Focus
At this program, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will jointly present their programs to help rural lenders increase lending to small businesses. We will be providing information on how these guarantees can be used to support business lending, and we will be comparing and contrasting the programs.

USDA Business and Industry Guarantee Program
Business & Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee Program – Provides federal loan guarantees to banks for loans made to businesses in rural areas. Loan funds can be used for business acquisition; real estate purchase & improvements; purchase of machinery & equipment; debt refinancing; & term working capital.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – Provides grants and loan guarantees for renewable energy system installations and energy efficiency improvements for rural, small, for-profit businesses or agricultural producers. The grant can cover up to 25% of the eligible project costs while the loan guarantee can cover up to 75% of the eligible project costs.

U.S. SBA 7(a) Guarantee Program
The SBA 7(a) Guarantee program for eligible small businesses anywhere in the country, including both urban and rural areas. Loans can be used for a variety of purposes including working capital, equipment and real estate. Guarantees range from 50% to 90% of transactions, with loans up to $5 million.

WHO: Rural-based lenders, bankers, and finance professionals
WHAT: Rural Lender Workshop: Government Guaranteed Business Loans