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Rural Development Finance Resource Center

Rural communities often require specialized financing tools and programs to support their unique development needs. Many federal, regional, and state agencies exist to support rural development finance, especially for projects related to agribusiness, broadband development, energy assistance, and value-added business assistance.

CDFA's Rural Development Finance Resource Center provides information about how the development finance toolbox can be structured to support rural communities and help them with strategies to invest in infrastructure, redevelopment, and job creation. Resources showcase successful programs that are working throughout rural America in communities with varying levels of capacity and size.

Additional support is available to rural communities through the CDFA Community Facilities Technical Assistance Program. Funded by the USDA, this program includes resources accessible to every rural community, a Rural Finance Toolkit, and targeted technical assistance support to rural communities.

Want regular updates on Rural Finance? Subscribe to CDFA's Rural Development Finance Update Newsletter.

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-Understanding Rural Finance

Want to learn more about rural financing? CDFA has collected many resources to help you understand the complexities of rural finance.

USDA Programs in the Local Food Supply Chain

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to supporting robust regional food economies across the food chain. This graphic is designed to be a guide for which programs are best suited for different parts of the supply chain.

California Rural Infrastructure Finance Guidebook

CALED knows from its work supporting economic development throughout California that infrastructure financing is a challenge for many rural communities. CALED collaborated with CDFA to develop this guidebook to meet the need for a resource to help build capacity in those areas, as well as move economic development projects forward.

Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants Members only

The Community Facilities (CF) Direct Loan Program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities. This is an Applicant Guidance Book for the USDA's Community Facilities Direct Loan Program.

Regional Resilience Toolkit: 5 Steps to Build Large Scale Resilience to Natural Disaster Members only

Cities, regions, and states across the country are facing natural disasters that can have devastating effects on life, property, the economy, and ecosystems. Climate change is already having observable effects on the environment, and past conditions are no longer a reliable indication of the type or extent of disasters communities will face in the future.

Community Facilities Infrastructure Toolkit

The Community Facilities Infrastructure Toolkit can be used as a guide to help organizations and community leaders better understand the complex process that is required to successfully develop and construct a new facility. The Toolkit outlines the major capacity, credit, and logistical challenges that particularly confront America’s small towns and rural areas. The Community Facilities Infrastructure Toolkit contains sections on concept development, planning, designing, environmental compliance, finance, and construction.

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-Resources

View all Rural Finance Resources

-Aggie Bonds

Resilience in New Mexico Agriculture Strategic Plan Members only

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Bond Finance | Food Systems Finance | Resiliency | (more)

The Resilience in New Mexico Agriculture Strategic Plan provides broad recommendations are coupled with specific, actionable strategies. The implementation of this plan is critical to achieving greater agricultural and natural resource resiliency, as well as a secure future for the generations of farmers and ranchers to come.

California Rural Infrastructure Finance Guidebook

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Bond Finance | Brownfield Financing | CDFA Original Research | (more)

CALED knows from its work supporting economic development throughout California that infrastructure financing is a challenge for many rural communities. CALED collaborated with CDFA to develop this guidebook to meet the need for a resource to help build capacity in those areas, as well as move economic development projects forward.

Tax-Exempt Bond Financing for Beginning and Low-Equity Farmers: The Case of Aggie Bonds Members only

Agriculture Finance | Bond Finance | Food Systems Finance | Rural Development | Farm Service Agency (FSA) | (more)

Established in the 1980s, the ‘‘Aggie Bond’’ program provides beginning and low-equity farmers with access to capital. The bonds, which pay tax-exempt interest, may be used by qualifying famers for purchases of farm real estate and equipment. The authors use 25 years of data to examine whether the Aggie Bond program has had an impact on farm entrance, land ownership, and the size of operation.

Maximizing Rural Opportunities for Businesses and Communities in Wisconsin Members only

Bond Finance | Rural Development | Tax Credits

Urban communities like Milwaukee and Madison are not the only places looking for help to fund economic development. Wisconsin is filled with rural communities and small towns who are also in need of financing strategies. These areas face unique development financing challenges and needs such as downtown revitalization and talent and business development. Barb LaMue with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation explores the cutting-edge strategies driving development in the state, and how to access them.

Presentation: Rural Financing Strategies Members only

Agriculture Finance | Bond Finance | Infrastructure Finance | Rural Development | State Finance Program

In this presentation, Gray Smith, President and CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council, examines rural financing strategies. Aggie Bonds are explained in detail, including eligibility and the application process.

View more Aggie Bonds Resources

-Agriculture Finance

CDFA Food Systems Finance Best Practices Guidebook

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Bond Finance | CDFA Original Research | Community Development | (more)

Linking development finance and food systems can be a daunting undertaking for any community. Research on the current ecosystem of food systems finance has positioned CDFA to identify key strategies for the path ahead in this work. The Food Systems Finance Best Practices Guidebook defines how traditional development finance tools can be used to launch and expand food and agricultural-related businesses and projects, and create successful food systems finance programs at the local and regional levels.

Growing Opportunity: A Guide to USDA Sustainable Farming Programs Members only

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Federal | Rural Development | Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) | (more)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is partnering with farmer-serving organizations, such as the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and its members to better reach and serve an increasingly diverse farmer and rancher constituency for USDA programs. This free, comprehensive, practical guide includes detailed and concise program summaries, reference links, and key resources related to dozens of USDA programs that are designed to help farmers and ranchers start, maintain, and grow successful operations, as well as a matrix highlighting programs with prioritized funding for beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and military veterans.

Resilience in New Mexico Agriculture Strategic Plan Members only

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Bond Finance | Food Systems Finance | Resiliency | (more)

The Resilience in New Mexico Agriculture Strategic Plan provides broad recommendations are coupled with specific, actionable strategies. The implementation of this plan is critical to achieving greater agricultural and natural resource resiliency, as well as a secure future for the generations of farmers and ranchers to come.

COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Community Development | Disaster Recovery & Relief | Energy Finance | (more)

USDA and its Federal partners have programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. This resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America.

California Rural Infrastructure Finance Guidebook

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Bond Finance | Brownfield Financing | CDFA Original Research | (more)

CALED knows from its work supporting economic development throughout California that infrastructure financing is a challenge for many rural communities. CALED collaborated with CDFA to develop this guidebook to meet the need for a resource to help build capacity in those areas, as well as move economic development projects forward.

View more Agriculture Finance Resources

-Rural Business Finance

USDA Resources for Rural Entrepreneurs Members only

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Economic Development | Federal | Rural Development | (more)

This is a USDA resource guide to help people in rural America start and grow businesses, create good-paying jobs in their communities and strengthen America’s economy. The guide features information on how rural entrepreneurs can use USDA and other Federal programs to access financing and other assistance to help start and expand their businesses.

USDA Advancing Equity in Distressed Rural Communities Members only

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Disaster Recovery & Relief | Economic Development | Federal | (more)

U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the Department is increasing the maximum loan amount to $400,000 under the Intermediary Relending Program. This change is in accordance with provisions in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill). USDA is offering priority points to projects that advance key priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, advance equity and combat climate change.

Enhancing Local Workforce Development and Building for the Future

Access to Capital | Organizational Management | Public-Private Partnership (P3) Financing | Rural Development | Social Finance | (more)

Automation, shifting demographics, COVID-19 and increased telework opportunities are reshaping the workforce landscape amid shifting industry needs. Counties, through local and regional partnerships and workforce development boards, are working with public, private, and nonprofit partners to help train job seekers and connect them with local employers.

Key Factors and Strategies for Urban and Rural Communities Members only

Access to Capital | Community Development | Economic Development | Healthcare | Housing Finance | (more)

Through data analysis supported by stakeholder interviews and case studies, this research from the National League of Cities identifies factors that support local engagement in regional economies, how these factors vary for urban and rural places, and whether the benefits of economic connectivity are equitably distributed among places and people in regions.

USDA Resource Guide for Rural Workforce Development Members only

Access to Capital | Community Development | Disaster Recovery & Relief | Economic Development | Housing Finance | (more)

This guide was created by the USDA in 2021 for community leaders and other local entities. The guide highlights four key assistance types necessary to building a stronger rural workforce: 1) Workforce development planning; 2) Infrastructure and equipment financing; 3) Industry and employer engagement, entrepreneurship, and local business development; and 4) Education, training, and apprenticeship.

View more Rural Business Finance Resources

-Rural Energy Program

COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Community Development | Disaster Recovery & Relief | Energy Finance | (more)

USDA and its Federal partners have programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. This resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America.

California Rural Infrastructure Finance Guidebook

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Bond Finance | Brownfield Financing | CDFA Original Research | (more)

CALED knows from its work supporting economic development throughout California that infrastructure financing is a challenge for many rural communities. CALED collaborated with CDFA to develop this guidebook to meet the need for a resource to help build capacity in those areas, as well as move economic development projects forward.

Financing Programs to Support Rural Development- USDA Members only

Agriculture Finance | Economic Development | Rural Development | U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) | Water Finance | (more)

Urban communities like Atlanta and Savannah are not the only places looking for help to fund economic development. Georgia is filled with rural communities and small towns that are also in need of financing strategies. These areas face unique development financing challenges and needs such as downtown revitalization, food systems, infrastructure and energy finance. A number of creative and important financing tools exist to assist rural and small town development, Evette Jones from U.S. Department of Agriculture discusses explores the cutting-edge strategies driving development in the state, as well as important programs that have been cut.

State and Federal Development Finance Programs-USDA Members only

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Community Development | Economic Development | Energy Finance | (more)

Industry experts from around the state and from various federal agencies will discuss development finance programs and their potential to spur job creation and growth in the economic development industry.

CDFA-Stifel Webcast: Paving the Way to Sustainable Rural Infrastructure and Energy Financing Members only

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Economic Development | Energy Finance | Infrastructure Finance | (more)

The various targeted financing solutions to revitalize rural infrastructure and energy systems is explained in this webcast by Gary Bojes, Ph.D. of USDA, Bennett Johnson III of Ocean's Energy, Andrew Jacob with CoBank, and Christopher Sheehan of Stifel.

View more Rural Energy Program Resources

-State Rural Financing Program

California Rural Infrastructure Finance Guidebook

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Bond Finance | Brownfield Financing | CDFA Original Research | (more)

CALED knows from its work supporting economic development throughout California that infrastructure financing is a challenge for many rural communities. CALED collaborated with CDFA to develop this guidebook to meet the need for a resource to help build capacity in those areas, as well as move economic development projects forward.

NMEDD - Economic Development Innovation Task Force Report Members only

Access to Capital | Economic Development | Energy Finance | Green Finance | Infrastructure Finance | (more)

In 2019, the Governor signed House Memorial 16 directing the Economic Development Department (NMEDD) to bring together stakeholders and convene an Economic Development Innovation Task Force to spur collaboration and innovative discussions on methods to create new economic development concepts and ideas to enhance New Mexico's economy. This report is the result.

Available CFA Resources - New York Regional Economic Development Councils Members only

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Bond Finance | Brownfield Financing | Community Development | (more)

In 2011, Governor Cuomo created ten Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) and the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) to advance the administration’s efforts to improve New York’s business climate and expand economic growth. This 2019 document outlines information about each agency’s grant programs, including eligibility, scoring criteria, applicant requirements, and agency contact information.

Development in Eastern Kentucky Members only

Infrastructure Finance | Redevelopment | Rural Development | State Finance Program | Water Finance

In August, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet announced three grants worth $5 million to spur economic development and job creation in Eastern Kentucky. How might these grants be used locally and are there opportunities for leveraging this for further financing and capital? Bob Scott from the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands discusses the allocation of these funds as well as their impact on the region.

Access to Capital for Native Communities in Arizona Members only

Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Community Development | Economic Development | Energy Finance | (more)

Clint Kaasa discusses how the USDA provides financing programs and strategies for Native communities in Arizona and considers how to leverage the available capital for even greater investment.

View more State Rural Financing Program Resources

-Case Studies

Investing in Rural Prosperity: Inclusive Rural Development

Investing in Rural Prosperity: Economic Resilience

Investing in Rural Prosperity: Capacity-Building

Investing in Rural Prosperity: The TRIC Framework

USDA Resources for Rural Entrepreneurs Members only

This is a USDA resource guide to help people in rural America start and grow businesses, create good-paying jobs in their communities and strengthen America’s economy. The guide features information on how rural entrepreneurs can use USDA and other Federal programs to access financing and other assistance to help start and expand their businesses.

View More Case Studies

-Headlines

7 Idaho Companies Receive USDA Loans to Help Expand Services, Create Jobs
Idaho Business Review | Dec. 8 | Bond Finance | Economic Development | Rural Development | U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA)

Broadband Access Still a Challenge in Rural Affordable Housing
PEW | Dec. 8 | Housing Finance | Infrastructure Finance | Rural Development

Treasury Announces Two Capital Projects Fund Awards for High-Speed Internet
U.S. Treasury | Dec. 8 | Access to Capital | Disaster Recovery & Relief | Federal | Infrastructure Finance | Legislative | (more)

USDA Invests $981M to Expand Market Opportunities for Rural Businesses and Entrepreneurs
USDA | Dec. 6 | Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Economic Development | Federal | Rural Development | (more)

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $48.2M Loan for Rural Highway Safety Project in Nicollet County, MN
U.S Department of Transportation | Dec. 6 | Bond Finance | Infrastructure Finance | Rural Development | U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT)

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-Publications

	Practitioner's Guide to Economic Development Finance 2nd Edition The Practitioner's Guide to Economic Development Finance is the only comprehensive resource dedicated to building and utilizing the development finance toolbox.
	Unlocking Capital: A Handbook for Becoming a High Performing Development Finance Agency Unlocking Capital: A Handbook for Becoming a High Performing Development Finance Agency (Handbook) serves as a companion to the Practitioner’s Guide to help illuminate the structures of development finance agencies (DFAs), essential conduits to access development finance tools.

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-Training Courses

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-Webcasts

CDFA-TEDC Webinar: Driving Investment into Texas' Rural Opportunity Zones

Opportunity Zones | Rural Development | Webcasts

During this webinar, expert panelists provided best practices and tips for economic development practitioners on driving investments into rural Opportunity Zones in Texas.

CDFA Rural Development Finance Webinar Series: Best Practices for Rural Development Finance Agencies

Rural Development | Webcasts

During the third installment of the CDFA Rural Development Finance Webinar Series, we discovered best practices of development finance agencies to help you identify the right partner for your projects.

CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series: Unlocking Capital for BIPOC-owned Businesses Members only

Access to Capital | Community Development | Food Systems Finance | Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) | Rural Development | (more)

During this installment of the CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series, we will be discussing creative financing approaches to minimize barriers and increase access to capital for minority-owned businesses across the country.

Enhancing Local Workforce Development and Building for the Future

Access to Capital | Organizational Management | Public-Private Partnership (P3) Financing | Rural Development | Social Finance | (more)

Automation, shifting demographics, COVID-19 and increased telework opportunities are reshaping the workforce landscape amid shifting industry needs. Counties, through local and regional partnerships and workforce development boards, are working with public, private, and nonprofit partners to help train job seekers and connect them with local employers.

CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series: Rural Broadband & Telehealth Financing Members only

Access to Capital | Federal | Healthcare | Public-Private Partnership (P3) Financing | Rural Development | (more)

During this installment of the CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series, experts explain how rural communities can embrace the challenges of financing high-speed internet for the economic and societal gains provided by broadband.

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