go rural
Explore USDA rural business and energy programs.
Start with USDA’s Illinois pages for business loan guarantees and rural energy projects, then verify the address and current program status.
What it covers
USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantees help approved lenders finance eligible rural business projects. Uses can include business development or modernization, land and buildings, machinery and equipment, inventory, and some acquisitions or refinancing.
The Rural Energy for America Program supports eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses pursuing renewable-energy systems or energy-efficiency improvements. Program options and status can change, so the Illinois page is the source of truth.
Eligibility
Business and Industry borrowers can include for-profit or nonprofit businesses, cooperatives, federally recognized Tribes, public bodies, and individuals engaged in or proposing a business. The project must meet USDA’s location and program rules, and the lender applies for the guarantee.
REAP serves qualifying agricultural producers and small businesses. Rural small-business projects must be in an eligible rural area and meet the program’s business, project, and federal standing requirements.
Do not assume Chester or Randolph County qualifies. Check the exact project address with USDA and confirm eligibility with the Illinois office.
How to apply
- Check the exact project address with USDA’s eligibility tools.
- For a Business and Industry guarantee, ask a lender about the program. The lender submits the application through USDA.
- For REAP, contact the Illinois Rural Development energy coordinator before preparing forms.
- Confirm the current program status, required registrations, technical review, and environmental review with USDA.
- Check current amounts and timelines on the official Illinois program pages.