Rural Small Business Loan Program
Fostering Economic Vitality in California’s Rural Communities
- Commercial real estate purchase and improvement
- Machinery and equipment
- Plant improvements
- Working capital
Key Loan Features
Which communities does this loan program serve?
Rural areas with a population with less than 50,000 within in the states of California, Arizona and Nevada
LOAN AMOUNT
From
$100,000
Up to
$350,000
TERMS
5 -10
Years for most loans
25
Years for real estate, fully amortizing loan
RATES
Prime +
Spread based on risk
FEES
1 - 2%
Loan origination fee, plus closing attorney fee; fees can be financed as part of the project
How do I get Started?
Prequalification is the first step and will require the following.
- Business tax returns for the past three years, plus interim financial statement
- Business debt schedule
- For any owner of 20% or more ownership: personal tax returns for the last three years, plus personal financial statement
- Summary of how loan funds will be used
Frequently Asked Questions
This program offers SBA 504 loans to small businesses operating in rural communities, helping them finance land, buildings, or equipment at favorable terms.
A rural area is typically defined by the SBA as a non-metropolitan area or a location with a population of less than 50,000. You can contact Statewide CDC to confirm your business’s eligibility based on location.
The SBA 504 structure allows rural businesses to access affordable capital for expansion, property acquisition, or equipment purchases with minimal upfront costs and long-term fixed rates.
While the standard loan structure remains the same, rural businesses may benefit from faster approvals, local economic development support, or increased lender participation in some areas.
Funds can be used to buy land or buildings, finance new construction, remodel existing facilities, or purchase long-term equipment.
