Food & Farm Loan Readiness

Accessing capital can be an important step in starting, sustaining, or growing a farm or agricultural business. This workshop helps Oregon producers understand their financing options and learn how to prepare before approaching a lender.

Participants will learn about different types of agricultural lenders and loan products, including USDA/FSA programs, Farm Credit, CDFIs, traditional banks, and SBA-backed financing. The workshop will also cover the 5 C’s of credit, the financial documents lenders typically review, and practical steps to strengthen loan readiness.

Participants will walk through the loan application process from determining how much financing they need to application, underwriting, approval, and funding. The workshop will also introduce common lending terminology and connect participants with Oregon agricultural resources that can support their next steps.

Topics include:

• Farm ownership, operating, equipment, emergency, and specialty loan options
• USDA/FSA, Farm Credit, CDFIs, banks, and other lending sources
• The 5 C’s of credit and what lenders evaluate
• Financial statements, cash flow projections, tax returns, and other application documents
• Preparing a farm business plan and strengthening financial readiness
• What to expect during the loan application and underwriting process
• Oregon agricultural resources for financing, training, and technical assistance

Presenter: Gabriela Vazquez – Loan Officer, Business Impact NW

As a dedicated Loan Officer, Gabriela combines deep financial expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset to guide clients through the lending process.  Her approach is built on a five-year foundation in professional loan counseling, where she helped clients with debt management and personalized financial coaching. Additionally, Gabriela has two years of experience as a business owner, which has provided her with a firsthand understanding of commercial operations and self-employed income analysis.

This training will be presented in-person at: 301 A Street West, Vale, OR 97918

Funding Acknowledgement:

Funding for this workshop was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA

Cost Statement:

There is no cost to attend. Workshops are sponsored by the Oregon Department of Agriculture.