Financing Opportunities

The Carrot Project
The Carrot Project offers capital and operating loans of $5,000-$250,000 to farms and food businesses in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Carrot’s staff and team of business advisors are also available to provide guidance on when and how to apply for financing, assist with loan applications, and make connections to lenders offering up to $250,000.

CISA Emergency Farm Fund
The CISA Emergency Farm Fund was established in partnership with Whole Foods Market, Equity Trust and individual donors in response to  the damages suffered by farms in western Massachusetts due to Hurricane Irene. It opens only in response to emergencies affecting multiple farms.

Common Capital
Common Capital is a non-profit community local fund, offering small business loans between $1,000 and $300,000 to businesses in Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin, Berkshire, and Northern Worcester counties in Western Massachusetts.

Farm Credit East
Farm Credit is a cooperative bank owned by its member farmers, which offers loans and other business services to farms. Farm Credit has local branch institutions in each state, and Farm Credit East serves our region. The FarmStart program assists new farmers and farm cooperatives with an operating line of credit up to $75,000.

PVGrows Investment Fund
The PVGrows Investment Fund (PVGIF) provides financing and business assistance to local farms and food system entrepreneurs through community investments. The Fund is designed as an alternative for entrepreneurs who may not qualify for more traditional financing. PVGIF offers competitive interest rates, flexible terms, and loans are available from $1,000 to $250,000. We work with the whole continuum of local farm and food businesses including farms, food retailers, food processors, restaurants, aggregators, distributors, wholesalers, and more.

USDA Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Programs
FSA’s farm loan programs are a valuable resource to establish, improve, expand, transition, and strengthen your farm or ranch. FSA has a variety of different farm loan programs which include farm operating loans, farm ownership loans, emergency farm loans, guaranteed farm loans, rural youth loans. The Microloan Program offers operating loans with a shortened application process and reduced paperwork designed to meet the needs of beginning farmers and smaller family farms. The FSA Emergency Farm Loan program is made available when a natural disaster is designated by the Secretary of Agriculture for producers who have suffered qualifying farm related losses as a result of the disaster.

USDA Rural Development Farm Labor Direct Loans and Grants
This program provides grants and affordable financing to farms to develop housing for farmworkers. Funds can be used for construction, improvement, repair, and/or purchase of housing. Grants are awarded based on need and may not exceed 90% of project cost. For more information, contact your local Rural Development office.

Whole Foods Market: Local Producer Loan Project
Whole Foods Market is providing low-interest loans to independent local farmers and food artisans in order to fund expansion and capital expenditures. A strong preference is given to producers supplying Whole Foods.