Value-Added Producer Grant Program
Program Description Helps eligible independent producers of agricultural commodities, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures develop strategies to create marketing opportunities and to help develop business plans for viable marketing opportunities in emerging markets.
Funding Range Award ceiling is $300,000
Eligibility Individuals (see “Link to Full Announcement”)
Rural Micro-Business Participation Loan Program
Program Description Rural Micro PLP is a variation of the PLP designed to provide subordinated loans to Illinois Rural Micro-businesses through participating lending institutions. The borrowers are required to provide 10% of the project, up to $1000.
Funding Range Up to 50% of total: No more than $25,000
Eligibility Rural micro business, 5 or fewer employees, agricultural production
Agrifirst Grant Program
Program Description The AgriFIRST program is designed to provide grants to persons and agribusinesses in Illinois for the purpose of developing projects that enhance the value of agricultural products or expand agribusiness in Illinois.
Funding Range Tech Asst 75%: Productivity 50%: Construction 10%
Eligibility Any group with an agricultural project
Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program
Program Description Sustainable Agriculture may be defined as any management system which protects the environment by holding soil erosion to tolerable limits, by keeping pollutants out of surface and groundwater, and by employing pest control strategies that are not harmful to natural systems, farmers, their neighbors or consumers.
Funding Range Up to $10,000 for individuals; Up to $25,000 for organizations
Eligibility Government, non-profits, individuals
State Guarantee Program for Agri-Industries
Agency Illinois Finance Authority
Program Description This program is designed for agribusinesses that wish to diversify into new enterprises or to further process existing crops or livestock. Local lender receives an 85% guarantee on the principal and interest of the loan.
Funding Range Max loan of $1,000,000
Eligibility Eligible farmers
Value-Added Stock Purchase Guarantee Program
Agency Illinois Finance Authority
Program Description This program is a guaranteed loan program designed to enhance the opportunities for Illinois farmers to participate in the further processing of their agricultural commodities into value added products. Local lender receives an 85% guarantee on the principal and interest of the loan.
Funding Range Max loan of $100,000
Eligibility Eligible farmers
Cultivate Illinois: Loan Programs
Agency Illinois State Treasury
Program Description Program gives farmers and agricultural professional access to capital to start or enhance their operations with the help of low-interest rate loans.
Funding Range Up to $200,000
Eligibility Property is in entirely in Illinois and loan will assist operations US Department of Agriculture
The USDA offers a variety of programs for farmers. Please visit their website to find more information.
