USDA Guaranteed Loans

Specialized financing delivered by USDA lending experts.*

USDA OneRD Guaranteed Loans offer greater flexibility and affordability

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a federal agency that promotes agricultural production, protects natural resources and ensures access to safe and nutritious food. The USDA also supports businesses, public bodies and federally recognized tribes in rural and underserved areas by providing special loans to grow and expand their operations and infrastructure.

At Ameris Bank, you can partner with dedicated, knowledgeable loan officers who structure customized USDA OneRD Guaranteed Loans for your business or organization. They are fully versed in USDA lending and help you understand the various loan options and their benefits. And through our dedicated Customer Relationship Manager at the National USDA office, we can process your loan application faster.

Here's how the process works:

Ameris Bank, working closely with you and the USDA, will underwrite the loan and keep you updated on the loan's status.
If your USDA Loan application is approved and you move forward, we will ensure all necessary documentation is finalized and your funds will be disbursed.
You will make loan payments based on the schedule outlined in your USDA Loan agreement.
Your payment will depend on the loan type, length and the interest rate at the time your application is approved and necessary documentation is complete.

Whether you're launching a startup, need working capital for your business or you're purchasing a building, a B&I Loan could be your solution.

Longer term debt with no balloon payments
Construction to permanent loans available
Startup or projection-based deals are allowed

Loan Amounts

Up to $25 million

Maximum Repayment Terms

7 years for working capital
15 years for machinery and capital equipment
30 years for real estate acquisition

Rate Information

Variable and fixed interest rates are available, or a combination of fixed and variable
Variable rates cannot be adjusted more frequently than quarterly

Eligible Uses

Business acquisitions, construction, conversion, expansion, repair, modernization and development
Purchase of equipment, machinery and supplies
Business startup costs and working capital
Projects supported by New Markets Tax Credits
Debt refinancing under certain conditions
Acquisition or construction of real estate

Collateral Requirements

All loan products require collateral
Hazard insurance is required on collateral (equal to the loan amount or depreciated value, whichever is less)

REAP provides financing for both efficiency and generation programs that help provide energy security for our country.

Eligible Applicants

Located in a rural area
For-profit or non-profit businesses

Terms

Loan amounts up to $25 million
Loan term up to 30 years
Loans up to 75% of costs

Eligible Uses

Development and installation of a renewable energy system, including solar, renewable natural gas, biomass and other renewable energy systems.
Funds can also be used for the purchase and installation of energy efficiency equipment and improvements for an existing business or property. This may include improvements in HVAC efficiency, insulation and lighting.

Benefits

Longer term debt with no balloon payments
Can underwrite merchant offtake, or post-PPA transactions
Equity can include investment tax credit (ITC) funds
Can include construction-to-permanent funding

The USDA’s Water and Waste program helps communities maintain their aging water and waste infrastructure.

Eligible Applicants

Public bodies
Non-profit organizations
Federally recognized tribes

Terms

Loan amounts up to $50 million
Loan term up to 40 years
Loans up to 100% of costs
Can be structured as bonds or loans

Eligible Uses

Construct or improve facilities for drinking water, sanitary sewers, solid waste disposal or storm water disposal
Examples include installing new water meters, constructing water towers and storage and installing water and sewer lines

Benefits

Longer term debt with no balloon payments
Faster closing timeline than many public financing options
Can be structured with equal collateral position as current and future bond financing

Local governments and nonprofits can finance projects that deliver a wide range of necessary services to the public.

Eligible Applicants

Public bodies
Non-profit organizations
Federally recognized tribes

Terms

Loan amounts up to $100 million
Loan term up to 40 years
Loans up to 100% of costs
Can be structured as bonds or loans

Eligible Uses

Construct or improve an essential community facility including:
Hospitals and health care facilities
Fire, rescue and public safety
Community, public, education or cultural facilities
Transportation facilities such as streets, bridges and roads
Rural utility projects
Telecommunications end-user equipment
The purchase and installation of renewable energy systems for use by the community facility
Water infrastructure
Community parks and activity centers that are integral to the orderly development of the community
All facilities must be for public use

Benefits

Longer term debt with no balloon payments
Faster closing timeline than many public financing options
Can be structured with equal collateral position as current and future bond financing