Guides
Rural eligibility, fees, hotels and how USDA B&I compares with SBA 7(a)
Quick answer
USDA Business & Industry loans are bank loans with a USDA guarantee, for businesses outside cities of more than 50,000 people. They go up to $25 million per borrower, against $5 million on an SBA 7(a). Axiant Partners, a broker in Boca Raton, matches rural projects with lenders that use the program.
The B&I program is narrower than SBA lending on location and wider on size and term. These guides take one question each. Start with USDA business loans for the overview, or see SBA loans if your project is in a city.
USDA B&I fees for 2026: 3.0% guarantee fee and 0.55% annual retention fee on the guaranteed share, 85% or 80% guarantee, terms to 40 years, computed tables.
Read moreUSDA B&I vs SBA 7(a) compared: $25M vs $5M limits, rural-only location, 40-year terms, equity rules, fees and citizenship, with a rule-of-thumb for choosing.
Read moreUSDA B&I eligible areas: the 50,000 population rule, the urbanized-area exclusion, how to read USDA's eligibility map, and what to do if your site is borderline.
Read moreUSDA hotel loans through B&I: eligibility of hotels and motels, going-concern value in the appraisal, owner's quarters, equity, and an $8.28M worked example.
Read moreSend us the address, the project cost and what you are buying or building. We will tell you whether USDA, SBA or a conventional loan is the realistic route. Or call (561) 268-0465.