We’re here to help

Applying for a Loan: Step-by-Step

Supporting Local Food Systems, One Business at a Time

Our fund provides low and zero interest loans with patient, flexible repayment schedules, tailored to small businesses, as well as emerging entrepreneurs, in the food system.  Whether you're growing nutrient-dense food, using regenerative practices, or expanding access to healthy, local goods—we're here to help.

What we offer

  • Loan amounts: $10,000–$250,000

  • Rates: 0% or below-market interest

  • Repayments: Patient and flexible, tailored to your business needs

  • Support: Business planning tools, financial coaching, and community connections

Loan Types

    • Capital Range: loans up to $250k 

    • Funding Window: Applications accepted year round with reviews & due diligence Nov – March, bulk decisions Feb & March. 

    • Interest: 0-7% interest 

    • Repayment: 1-7 year repayment, 0-12 month deferment. 

    • Equipment & Infrastructure-- Investments that strengthen a farm’s foundation and support long‑term resilience, including (but not limited to): 
      processing and refrigeration equipment; on‑farm storage; livestock shelters and essential farm buildings; fencing; tractors and core implements; irrigation and water systems; hoop houses or high tunnels; roller crimpers; and other tools that improve efficiency, stewardship, and durability of the operation. 

    • Working Capital- Resources to support the everyday realities of running a farm, such as: purchasing seeds, livestock, feed, or other inputs; maintaining inventory; covering marketing, bookkeeping, or administrative costs; and paying for vehicle, equipment, or farm insurance. These funds help ensure farmers can focus on growing food while keeping their businesses stable and adaptable. 

    • Transition & Enhancement-- Support for projects that help farms grow into more regenerative, sustainable, and resilient systems. This may include efforts to improve soil health, reduce reliance on external inputs, conserve water, build climate resilience, or otherwise enhance the farm’s ability to care for land, animals, and communities over the long term. 

    • Staffing -- Funding to support fair, reliable labor on the farm, including hiring full‑time, part‑time, or seasonal workers. These resources may help meet current labor needs or allow farmers to expand responsibly while creating meaningful, dignified work opportunities. 

    • A note on our lending capability: If it’s not listed above, it isn’t off the table.  Our mission is to support your business viability in the long term.  Please contact us if you have a need that isn’t listed above. 

  • Located in Idaho or an adjacent state serving customers in Idaho.

  • Full financial & operational

Nourish &
Grow Fund

Fueling transformation for a stronger local food future. 

Harvest Production
Fund 

Targeted investments that grow abundance for the Wood River Valley market. 

    • Capital Range: loans up to $10k 

    • Funding Window: Call for applications March-November with a set due date to be announced with a Request For Application (RFA) 

    • Interest: 0-4% interest 

    • Repayment: 1-4 year repayment, growing season deferment 

  • Increase the production of an identified need in the food system. A Request for Application (RFA) will outline further details of this funding opportunity.  

  • Serves buyers and/or producers in the Wood River Valley region.

  • 2+ years of production output, 2+ years of financial data

How to Become a Borrower

Step 1:
Check Eligibility

We lend to food and farm businesses that:

  • Fill a gap in the regional food system

  • Promote sustainable or regenerative practices

  • Increase availability of affordable, whole food

  • Support smallholder farmers and food producers

Does this sound like you? Move on to Step 2!

Step 2:
Submit Your Application

Tell us about your business, your goals, and how the loan will support your grown. The application guide provides details about the application and ensures you’re ready to submit.

Application Guide
New portal coming soon

Step 3:
Connect With Us

Within two weeks of submitting your application, someone from our team will reach our to schedule a meeting.

We will discuss your plans for the loan proceeds and explore alignment between your business and our Fund’s impact and financial criteria.

Step 4:
Due Diligence & Review

Once alignment is established, we perform due diligence of market feasibility, team strength, and financial capabilities to decide whether to provide funds.

Overall, this process usually runs 1-3 months, though timelines vary.

Step 5:
Funding Decision & Support

A funding recommendation is presented to the Board of Directors. If approved, loan terms that work for your business are finalized.

Capital is deployed once loan terms are agreed to and loan documents are signed.

Repayments and reporting begin and last through the duration of your loan.

We support you with financial and impact reporting, network connections, and market outreach.

Questions?

Get in touch

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s build a better food system—together.

Start your application