CDFA is researching the feasibility and market demand for a national food systems loan guarantee program to help unlock investment for food- and agriculture-related businesses and projects. This research includes surveying loan funds operated by private, public, and quasi-public development finance agencies (DFAs) around the country to learn more about existing lending programs. Please take a few minutes to share your expertise in this short survey!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched two grant competitions for $20 billion under the historic $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, an Inflation Reduction Act program. Together these competitive grant opportunities will mobilize private capital into clean technology projects to create good-paying jobs and lower energy costs for American families, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Governor Wes Moore recently announced that 67 childcare facilities have been awarded a total of $11.5 million through the inaugural round of the Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund, administered through the Maryland Department of Commerce in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education. The fund offers no-interest loans for capital expenses to childcare providers who are licensed and participate in the Maryland State Department of Education's Child Care Scholarship Program.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans totaling $305 million to the Polk Regional Water Cooperative in Polk County, Florida. This funding will support projects to sustain the local drinking water supply and alleviate the strain on the Upper Floridan Aquifer.

Feed The Hunger Fund, a nonprofit that provides loans to entrepreneurs working to create a more diverse local food system in Hawaii, announced more than $260,000 in funding for three small-scale food entrepreneurs. The funds are part of a more than $1 million financial collaboration with Kamehameha Schools and Hawaii Pacific Health. Each contributed $525,000, mostly in loans, to Feed The Hunger Fund to support food security and sustainability in Hawaii.

Governor Roy Cooper announced that communities statewide will receive more than $223 million in water and wastewater infrastructure funding to help pay for 60 projects in 40 counties, including 41 construction projects. Over the last two years, North Carolina has invested $2.8 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure across the state. The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved the awards, using the State Revolving Funds to provide low-interest loans and Principal Forgiveness loans.

The Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation (KAFC) approved $3,203,498 for 18 agricultural loans for projects across the commonwealth through the Agricultural Infrastructure Loan Program (AILP), Beginning Farmer Loan Program (BFLP), and Diversification through Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Program (DEALP).

SSBCI Learning Series - Enhanced Efforts to Engage and Support SEDI-Owned Business
August 24, 2023 - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Eastern

CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series: Investment Tools & Food Systems
August 29, 2023 - 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern

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