Rural Small Business Loan Program

Geographic Scope: Rural areas in California, Arizona, and Nevada with population less than 50,000

Focus Areas: Small businesses in rural communities needing capital for:

• Commercial real estate purchase and improvement
• Machinery and equipment
• Plant improvements
• Working capital

Program Description:
Statewide CDC's Rural Loan Fund offers attractive variable rate financing for small businesses located in rural communities. This program helps rural entrepreneurs access affordable capital for business growth and expansion.

Key Loan Features

• Loan Amount: $100,000 to $350,000
• Loan Terms:
  • 5–10 years for most loans
  • 25 years for real estate (fully amortizing)
• Interest Rates: Prime + Spread (based on risk)
• Fees: 1–2% loan origination fee, plus closing attorney fee; fees can be financed as part of the project

Eligible Uses

• Commercial real estate purchase and improvement
• Machinery and equipment purchases
• Plant improvements
• Working capital

Eligible Communities

Rural areas with population less than 50,000 in:

• California
• Arizona
• Nevada
• Physical business address determines eligibility based on location

Eligibility Requirements

No specific eligibility requirements detailed beyond location in rural area. Business must be located in a rural community.

Prequalification Requirements

• Business tax returns for the past three years, plus interim financial statement
• Business debt schedule
• For any owner of 20% or more ownership: personal tax returns for the last three years, plus personal financial statement
• Summary of how loan funds will be used

Application Process

Step 1: Prequalification
The first step is prequalification, which requires:

• Business tax returns for the past three years, plus interim financial statement
• Business debt schedule
• For any owner of 20% or more ownership: personal tax returns for the last three years, plus personal financial statement
• Summary of how loan funds will be used

Step 2: Contact Loan Officer
Reach out to discuss your project and eligibility

Contact Information

• Loan Officer: Jodie Harth, Rural Loan Officer
• Phone: 559-679-6625 or 1-800-982-9192
• Service Area: California, Arizona, Nevada