Intermediary Relending Program
Department Of Agriculture, Rural Business Cooperative Service
Establish revolving loan funds for the purpose of providing loans to ultimate recipients to promote community development, establish new businesses, establish and support microlending programs, and increase access to capital for start-ups and other small rural businesses and cooperatives in rural areas. Program performance is measured by the number of jobs created/saved and businesses assisted. The Agency tries to maintain a low default rate.
Jargon-free version
Helps small businesses in rural areas get loans for projects. Intermediaries can lend up to $250,000 to these businesses at a low interest rate.
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What Is This Program?
What Benefits Are Offered?
Provides 1 percent low-interest loans to eligible intermediaries (nonprofits, tribes, public agencies, cooperatives) for up to 30 years, who then re-lend to businesses and other entities in rural communities. The program aims to improve economic conditions and create jobs. Intermediaries can receive up to $1 million per loan, with total outstanding debt not exceeding $15 million. Ultimate recipients can borrow up to $400,000 or 50% of the intermediary loan (whichever is lesser) at an interest rate set by the intermediary.
Who Is Eligible?
Business Size: small, medium, large
Industries: community development, business services, agriculture, transportation, hospitality, education, environmental, real estate
Region: eligible rural areas (population fewer than 50,000 residents)
Demographics: US citizens or permanent residents (majority ownership/membership)
Other Criteria: Intermediary Lenders must be: Nonprofits, Cooperatives, Federally-recognized tribes, or Public agencies., Intermediary Lenders must have: legal authority to operate a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), record of successfully assisting rural businesses and communities (including commercial loan experience), ability to provide adequate assurance of repayment, sufficient capitalization/equity, able to close the IRP loan within six months of approval, and a board consisting of business and civic leaders., Ultimate Recipients may be: individuals, public or private organizations, or other legal entities., Ultimate Recipients must be: unable to obtain affordable commercial financing for the project elsewhere, and have no legal or financial interest or influence in the work of the intermediary lender.
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions
This program is available to small, medium, large businesses in community development, business services, agriculture industries located in eligible rural areas (population fewer than 50,000 residents).
This program offers funding up to $10,000,000 (minimum $8,999,999).
This program accepts applications on a rolling basis.
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