Vermont Farm Fund Business Builder Loan

The Business Builder Loan program was launched in June 2012. This loan program supports Vermont farms and food producers and those who directly support the growing of the VT food system. The loans are for businesses to invest and innovate for growth, increasing the availability of local foods in Vermont.

Examples of uses of a Business Builder Loan include:

• Development of a new crop, product, process, or market

• Business and/or financial planning for diversifying product lines

• Equipment and/or infrastructure investments to increase the efficiency of the business

• New kinds of infrastructure and equipment that would increase the amount of local food or local ingredients in a commonly used product

Loan applications will be accepted from farm and food-related businesses registered and located in Vermont that either produce or source ingredients for their value added food processing from local farms/producers (Vermont plus 30 miles).

We accept applications on a rolling basis and award loans as funds are available. After receiving a completed application (with all requested attachments), we strive for a 2-3 week turn-around time for application review and approval.

We accept applications on a rolling basis and award loans as funds are available. After receiving a completed application (with all requested attachments), we strive for a 2-3 week turn-around time for application review and approval. We want to keep our application process as simple as possible, but the information we do request is crucial for us to make a responsible decision.

Our Advisory Board reviews your application once we have received all of the requested pieces of information. During the loan review process, it isn’t unusual for us to need additional information about your business and/or your needs in order to make a responsible final determination. One of our board members may visit your farm or business to get a better understanding of your operation. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions about the application.

When you apply for a loan from the Vermont Farm Fund, you are becoming a part of a supportive, financial-agricultural community. The funds from the VFF that will help you with your emergency or business building project, have most likely helped another farmer or food producer in the past.

And, your payments will be “paid forward” to help the next agricultural producer with an urgent need or creative idea. As part of the community, we hope you’ll agree to tell your story and help us get the word out regarding this unique and valuable program.

Applications are reviewed and responded to on a rolling basis. Once we’ve received a completed application (with all requested attachments), we strive for a 2-3 week turn-around time for application review and approval. Applications are reviewed by a team of people on our Advisory Board from a variety of agricultural backgrounds.

NEW! Apply Online

• If you'd prefer to print out the forms and fill them out manually, you can also download the application form here:

Business Builder and New Producer Loans

• Download Word Format | Download PDF Format

• During the application, you will be asked for the business tax ID (if any), as well as the social security numbers of all parties signing the loan. Note that all members of a partnership, as well as any corporate owner/officer with a 20% share or greater in the corporation must be listed on the application.

• The application also includes space for a high-level budget of the project you’ll be financing with the loan.

• You will also be asked for the contact information for three personal references we can speak to, including one person you have done business with.

• How to Apply