photography business owners
Strengthening rural communities through small entrepreneurship–locally owned and operated small businesses–and home ownership.

Lending

The most effective development strategy for rural communities is small entrepreneurship–locally owned and operated small businesses–and home ownership. 

When a bank can’t help with dreams of homeownership or growing a business, the Center for Rural Affairs can. We offer coaching and financing to help people become homeowners and to start or grow sustainable businesses. You can find your nearest loan specialist here.

Call on us when you are thinking of starting a small business or if you already operate a small business in Nebraska. We offer four essential services: financing (microloans), business training, one-on-one business counseling, and networking. With the assistance of our staff, you can create a business plan, research potential markets and marketing ideas, discuss management issues with experienced business specialists, and apply for a small business loan.

Man and woman business owners
Small Business Loan Products
Are you starting or expanding a small business in Nebraska? Do you need just a little bit more working capital? Have you tried, but have been unsuccessful in getting a traditional bank loan? Our small business loans may be your answer. To serve a more diverse set of clients, our underwriting process...
Woman in flowery dress standing in front of house
Home ownership loans
Make your dream of owning a home come true with the Center for Rural Affairs. We work with rural Nebraskans to assist them on the journey to becoming a homeowner. The Center believes in building sustainable communities and that everyone living in rural America should have the opportunity to live a happy and fulfilling life. We help Nebraskans own stable, safe, and quality housing.
Meat hanging from hooks in a cooler at a small meat processing plant
Meat Processing Loans
Meat & Poultry Processing Loans are established under the USDA Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) guidelines. The purpose of the MPILP Loan Fund is to strengthen and expand small and medium size primary and secondary meat processing infrastructure. Eligibility and limitations...
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Small Business Training
Our Women's Business Center hosts various workshops and networking opportunities focused on emergency preparedness, marketing, business plans, social media, specific industries, and more. If you represent a community group - such as a chamber of commerce, economic development agency, library, etc. -...
Small town
Small Business Policy
Small businesses are the backbone of rural communities. We work for federal rural policy recognizes the importance of entrepreneurship as a rural development strategy and provide the resources necessary for rural communities to leverage the spirit, creativity and opportunities entrepreneurship...