Rural Business Programs

Our business programs work in partnership with the private sector and community-based organizations to provide financial assistance and business planning. Eligible entities include corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, public bodies, nonprofit corporations, private companies, Indian tribes and farmers. Our business programs also finance renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and support value-added agriculture.


  • Which Rural Development office should I contact? Check out this map.
  • Need a summary of all Rural Development business programs? Check out this spreadsheet.
  • Need to know if your area is considered rural and eligible for Rural Development programs? Visit our eligibility page.

    • Minnesota Highlights

    2011 Investments
    B&I Guaranteed Loans $11.375,000
    Energy Grants and Loans $10,649,987
    Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants $3,695,228
    Rural Business Enterprise Grants $771,000
    Value-Added Producer Grants $300,000
    Intermediary Relending Program $1,446,000

    Rural Business Programs

  • B&I -- Business & Industry Loan Guarantees
  • Energy Programs
  • VAPG -- Value-Added Producer Grants
  • REDLG -- Rural Economic Development Loans and Grant
  • RBOG -- Rural Business Opportunity Grants
  • RBEG -- Rural Business Enterprise Grants
  • IRP -- Intermediary Relending Program
  • SSDPG -- Small Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grants
  • RCDG -- Rural Cooperative Development Grants