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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.

The Center for Rural Affairs is a nonprofit, mission-driven lender focusing on underserved communities, primarily to rural, Latino, Native, and other communities that mainstream finance doesn’t traditionally reach. We are a Community Development Financial Institute, certified by the U.S. Treasury. What is a CDFI?

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...
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 & Poultry Processing Loans are established under the USDA Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program guidelines. The purpose of the Center for Rural Affairs’ Meat & Poultry Processing Loan Fund is to strengthen and expand small and medium sized primary and secondary meat processing...
The Center for Rural Affairs is a nonprofit, mission-driven lender providing affordable, equitable, and flexible financing to strengthen our local food system, small businesses, and sustainable agriculture. Eligibility Our small business loans are available to farmers, food business entrepreneurs...
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. -...
Do you need a small business or home ownership loan? Do you need assistance with some aspect of your business - like marketing, permits, business plans, or other training? Do you need assistance with obtaining a loan for purchasing or repairing a home? We offer services throughout Nebraska in both...