Eligibility resource for USDA B&I, REAP & SBA loan programs · Independent — not a U.S. government agency
Eligibility

Do you qualify for a USDA B&I loan?

USDA Business & Industry financing is broader than most owners expect — it’s not just for farms or small towns. If your for-profit business is buying, building, or expanding in a USDA-approved area, you may qualify for $1M–$25M with a government guarantee. Here’s exactly what the USDA looks at.

The Basics

The four things the USDA looks at

Meet these and you’re in the conversation. We confirm the details for you — no guesswork required.

For-profit business

Your company operates to make a profit — LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership or sole proprietor. Most non-profits don’t qualify.

In a USDA-approved area

Located in (or relocating to) an approved area — generally anywhere outside a city of 50,000+. Far more places qualify than owners assume, including many suburbs.

U.S.-based & U.S.-owned

The business operates in the United States and is majority-owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Reasonable credit & equity

A workable credit history and some equity in the deal. You don’t need perfect credit — lenders weigh the whole picture.

Uses of Funds

What B&I financing can be used for

One program, many uses — the proceeds can cover most of what a growing business needs.

  • Commercial real estate purchase
  • Construction, renovation & expansion
  • Business acquisition or buyout
  • Equipment & machinery
  • Debt refinance (better terms)
  • Working capital

A few things B&I generally can’t fund: owner-occupied or residential housing, revolving lines of credit, certain agricultural production, and most speculative or passive investments. If you’re unsure where your project lands, we’ll tell you straight on the strategy call.

30-Second Self-Check

Are you a likely B&I candidate?

My business is for-profit and U.S.-based
It’s in (or will relocate to) an area under 50,000 people
I need between $1M and $25M

Checked all three? You’re likely a strong B&I candidate.

Start my full eligibility check →
“Rural” Explained

What counts as a rural area?

For the B&I program, “rural” means any area outside a city or town with a population over 50,000 — plus its immediately adjacent urbanized fringe. In practice that covers a huge share of the country, including many fast-growing small towns and the outskirts of mid-sized metros.

Don’t self-disqualify on a guess. We’ll confirm your exact address against the official USDA eligibility map during your strategy call — before you spend any time on paperwork.

Questions

Eligibility FAQ

Who actually qualifies for a USDA B&I loan?
Any for-profit U.S. business — of nearly any type or industry — located in (or relocating to) an area with a population under 50,000, with reasonable credit and equity. Manufacturers, hospitality, healthcare, retail, services and more all qualify.
How is “rural” defined?
It’s any area outside a city or town of more than 50,000 people and its adjacent urbanized area. Many places that don’t feel especially “rural” still qualify, which is why we always confirm your exact address against the USDA map.
Are you a lender?
No. USDAGovLoans is an advisor and broker. We package your file to USDA standards and match you to approved B&I lenders — so your deal lands with banks that actually fund this program.
Does checking eligibility affect my credit?
No. Confirming eligibility and the initial strategy call involve no hard credit pull. A credit review only happens later, once you choose to move forward into a full application.

Ready to find out if you qualify?

Answer a few quick questions and we’ll confirm your eligibility, your likely loan range, and your next step — no credit pull, no obligation.

Start my full eligibility check →