The program provides loan financing and grant funding to qualified agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. 

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Who may apply for this program?

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• Agricultural producers

  • An entity directly engaged in production of agricultural products where at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations.

• Small businesses

  • Must be located in eligible rural areas and one of the following:

    • Private for-profit entity (sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation)

    • A Cooperative [including those qualified under Section 501(c)(12) of IRS Code]

    • An electric utility (including a Tribal or governmental electric utility) that provides service to rural consumers and operates independent of direct government control)

    • A Tribal corporation or other Tribal business entities that are chartered under Section 17 of the Indian Reorganization Act (25 USC 477) or have similar structures and relationships with their Tribal entity without regard to the resources of the Tribal government.

  • Must meet the Small Business Administration size standards in accordance with 13 CFR 121.

NOTE: Agricultural producers and small businesses must have NO outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment or debarment.

Who may qualify for loan guarantees?

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Eligible borrowers are:

• Rural small businesses.

• Agricultural producers.

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What are the borrowing restrictions for loan guarantees? 

• Individual borrowers must be citizens of the United States or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for permanent residence.

• Private-entity borrowers must demonstrate that loan funds will remain in the U.S.

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What is an eligible area?

•  Projects must be located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less*. 

•  Check eligible rural areas