Loans & Financing
An integral piece of BAV’s service offerings, loans and financing provide local food businesses both targeted support and a flexible alternative to traditional loan offerings.
BAV offers financing through two revolving loan funds: BAV’s Revolving Loan Fund and the USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP).
To find out more about these funding opportunities, or other ways BAV can help your business, please contact us or submit an inquiry.
BAV’s Revolving Loan Fund
Provides flexible 0-4% interest loans to local farms and food businesses for a variety of uses. Capital within the Revolving Loan Fund is continuously recycled, creating a viable and reliable stream of support for agricultural entrepreneurs in the region.
Terms: 5 year maximum term limit, 0-4% interest, & $50,000 limit depending on availability of funds.
Examples supported by BAV’s Revolving Loan Fund:
Bridge loans at 0% interest for upfront costs related to federal (NRCS) and state (MDAR) reimbursement programs where funds are paid upon project completion.
Capital improvements that increase business viability, expand capacity, and support Good Agricultural Practices and conservation outcomes.
Regional food system infrastructure, such as value-added processing equipment, commercial kitchens, and food hubs.
USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)
Provides loans for eligible businesses for working capital, debt refinancing, purchasing of equipment and supplies, and improving real estate. RMAP is for businesses that meet the USDA’s criteria for “rural business” and fewer than 10 employees.
Terms: 5 year maximum term limit, low interest, & $50,000 limit.
If you are interested in taking out a loan from us through the USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP), please contact us or submit an inquiry.
Client Stories | Loans & Financing
Indian Line Farm
Indian Line Farm is located in South Egremont, Massachusetts, along a strip of land once known as the “Indian Line.” The farm was originally deeded to the Housatunnuck Nation in 1736. Indian Line Farm is now known as one of the first Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in the United States, and was established in 1985 by Robyn Van En, Jan Vander Tuin, and a coalition of local citizens.
“I believe that having a strong agricultural community is critical to Berkshire County, making a strong impact on our residents and visitors alike. BAV has helped by offering technical assistance, a small grant for our fence project, and by providing a bridge loan for our recent Food Security Infrastructure Grant. Their help and expertise has been professional, helpful and timely.”
— Elizabeth Keen, Indian Line Farm owner & farmer
Support BAV
Help us on our mission to build a thriving local food economy. Your support helps us keep our services affordable and interest rates at or near 0% for farmers and food entrepreneurs.