Grant AMOUNT (UP TO):
$1,000,000
DETAILS:
The 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. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
ELIGIBILITY:
Who may apply for this program?
- Agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations.
- Small businesses in eligible rural areas.
- NOTE: Agricultural producers and small businesses must have NO outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment or debarment.
Who may qualify for loan guarantees?
Eligible borrowers are:
- Rural small businesses.
- Agricultural producers.
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.
What is an eligible area?
- Businesses must be located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less.
- Check eligible business addresses.
- Agricultural producers may be in rural or non-rural areas.
DEADLINE:
- Open for Fiscal Year 2025 Application Windows: The Agency is pausing receipt of applications for the Inflation Reduction Act funding on December 31, 2024, at 4:30 pm local time in the respective applicant’s time zone. However, the Agency is still accepting applications for Farm Bill funding through March 31, 2025. Only complete and eligible applications can compete for funding. See applicable Federal Register Notice below for more information. Guaranteed loans compete on an on-going basis in accordance with 7 CFR 5001.315.