USDA Loans

Fund your next big project with a USDA business loan

Enhance operations in rural communities

As a US Department of Agriculture lender, our experienced team of specialists can guide you through the USDA's Business & Industry, or B&I, loan program. USDA business loans can be used to add working capital, refinance existing debt, pay for equipment and purchase commercial real estate in rural areas.D

Preserve capital

Lower down payment requirements let you keep funds or use them within your businessD or entity.D

Boost cash flow

Longer amortizations can help your business spread out loan payments and manage cash flow over time.

Enjoy flexible options

Loan proceeds can be used for almost any business purpose, including an array of development projects.

USDA Business and Industry loans

Create and save jobs with a USDA B&I loan

USDA B&I loans are designed exclusively for businesses with facilities in rural areas,D including manufacturing, wholesale, retail and service industries. Backed by the USDA's Rural Development unit, these loans are available to entities such as partnerships, individuals, cooperatives, for-profit and nonprofit corporations, tribal groups and public bodies.

  • Business acquisition, construction, conversion, expansion, repair, modernization and development
  • Purchase of equipment machinery and supplies
  • Startup costs and working capital
  • Debt refinancing under certain conditionsD

USDA Business Loans
B&I program highlights

Loan amount

Maximum loan amount of $20 million, with repayment terms up to 25 years based on the purpose of the loan

Down payment

Up to 100% financing available

Term

Up to 15 years for machinery and equipment and up to 25 years for real estate

Prepayment penalties

Prepayment penalties apply

How it works
The USDA loan application process

Whether you're starting a business or expanding in a rural area, we can help you find the right type of USDA loan financing.

Step 1

Discuss options

Consult with an experienced USDA lender to discuss your business plans and financing needs and determine an ideal loan structure.

Step 2

Application

Our USDA financing specialists provide a list of required documentation and guidance along the way.

Step 3

Underwriting

Our in-house specialists review the request, and the USDA.gov underwriting team decisions the loan.

Step 4

Closing

Upon approval, our USDA closing team provides a checklist and guides you through the final phase of your loan.

Step 5

Continue partnership

After closing, you'll gain access to our branch network, a local banker, online business banking resources and our USDA servicing team.

USDA Loans FAQ
People often ask us

The US Department of Agriculture, or USDA, offers federal loan programs to small businesses as part of its rural development initiative. These loans offer specific funds for the development and improvement of rural areas and communities.

Rural eligibility includes all areas other than cities or towns larger than 50,000 people and the contiguous and adjacent urbanized area of such cities or towns. Refer to the top section of the rural USDA income and property eligibility guidelines for a geographical eligibility map of USDA B&I loans.

The USDA offers Business & Industry, or B&I, loans to businesses with facilities in rural areas, including manufacturing, wholesale, retail and service industries. These loans are available to partnerships, individuals, cooperatives, for-profit and nonprofit corporations, tribal groups and public bodies.

To learn more about your unique business loan options and eligibility, contact a specialized lender.

To apply for a USDA Business & Industry or Community Facilities loan, contact a specialized lender.

Rural USDA income and property eligibility includes all areas other than cities or towns larger than 50,000 people and the contiguous and adjacent urbanized area of such cities or towns.

Equity injection requirements will vary depending on years in business and other business conditions.

Equity injection requirements will vary based on type and scope of project.

Debt refinancing must improve cash flow while saving or creating jobs.

Equity injection requirements will vary depending on type and amount of financing being requested.

Links to third-party websites may have a privacy policy different from First Citizens Bank and may provide less security than this website. First Citizens Bank and its affiliates are not responsible for the products, services and content on any third-party website.

Bank deposit products are offered by First Citizens Bank. Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. icon: sys-ehl.

NMLSR ID 503941

To be eligible for the USDA home loan, you must be purchasing a property in a rural area (as defined by the USDA) and you must meet regional income restrictions.