Community Ventures is accepting applications for agribusiness loans

LEXINGTON — Community Ventures announced it is accepting agriculture loan applications from new and existing growers or meat and poultry processors distributing United States Department of Agriculture certified food.

Financing is available for Kentucky companies engaging in food distribution, transportation, manufacturing, processing, storage, aggregation or wholesale food supply chain activities.

The non-profit group is partnering with USDA and other funders to provide financing with a 4-6% interest rate to new and existing agribusinesses dedicated to serving the supply chain.

The funds may be used for refinancing. Community Ventures will provide financing to qualifying applicants until funding has been distributed.

“Many Kentucky agribusinesses have struggled to rebound from COVID and extreme weather events and we’ve worked with the USDA and other funders to create financing options to help these businesses get back on their feet or expand,” said Brenda Weaver, CV president of housing and lending. “Supporting agribusiness close to home will invigorate our local food systems, economy and create a more resilient and secure U.S. food supply chain.”

For nearly 40 years, CV has been supporting Kentucky’s agriculture industry by financing the expansion of small and large producers, offering business education and supplying technical assistance to help enterprises succeed.

“The loan program established by Community Ventures with the USDA funding will be greatly beneficial to Kentucky’s agriculture community,” Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles said.

“Helping agri-businesses essential to food accessibility launch and grow directly impacts the health of our farming communities.

I encourage businesses looking to establish or grow their agricultural pursuits to apply for this funding. Creating financially healthy agri-businesses aids all of Kentucky.”

To learn more about agricultural loans with CV, email Vice President of Commercial Lending Greg Doyle at [email protected] or President of Everything Equity Shirie Hawkins at [email protected]

Founded in 1982, Community Ventures is a non-profit organization with a goal of strengthen communities and improving the overall quality of life for Kentuckians by supporting job creation, small business ownership and home ownership. Headquartered in Lexington, it has six branch locations including Louisville, Bowling Green and Campbellsville.

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