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: Kyle Lovell – Chief Lending Officer, Business Impact NW

Kyle Lovell serves as the Chief Lending Officer at Business Impact NW, where she leverages over a decade of experience in the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) sector across the Pacific Northwest. In her capacity, she skillfully directs our lending department, implementing strategic initiatives for small businesses. In this role, she leads our Lending Department, focusing on driving success through her expertise in all aspects of small business lending and leadership. She fosters access to capital and financial education through targeted programs and resources, ensuring these businesses receive the guidance necessary for sustainable growth.  

This training will be presented virtually via Zoom. A link will be provided upon registration.

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.