Limestone Bluffs Resource Conservation and Development administers a Rural Business Enterprise Revolving Loan (RBERL) program targeted towards new or expanding small businesses. The Revolving Loan Fund was established in 2003 through a grant from USDA Rural Development with matching funds from Limestone Bluffs RC&D Area, Inc. To date, many small businesses have been assisted with funds representing total project investments of nearly $1.3 million and creating/retaining over 100 jobs. Nine of the loans have been paid off and funds are available to loan out for a second time.

 

The loan program is designed to assist business development and retention in rural areas in the six eastern Iowa counties included in the Limestone Bluffs area. Loans serve to help overcome gaps in local capital markets that inhibit emerging small businesses from obtaining suitable credit and impede economic growth and stability.

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Goals, Eligibility and Priority for Loans

 

Limestone Bluffs RC&D will consider RBERL loan applications that result in the creation, retention and expansions of small businesses based on the following principles:

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1. Natural resource based enterprises,

2. Value-added or alternative agriculture enterprises,

3. Enterprises providing needed facilities and services to low income, under employed, or the elderly, and

4. Small Main Street businesses.

 

Use of Loan Funds

 

Funds from the Rural Business Enterprise Revolving Loan Program may be used for:
 

• Acquisition and development of land, easements, and rights-of-way for small and emerging private business start-up and expansions.

• Construction, conversion, enlargement, repairs or modernization of buildings, plants, machinery, equipment, access streets and roads, parking areas, utilities, and pollution control and abatement facilities.

• Loans for startup operating costs and working capital.

 

Funds from the Rural Business Enterprise Revolving Loan program will not be used to produce agricultural products through growing, cultivation and harvesting either directly or through horizontally integrated livestock operations except for commercial nurseries, greenhouse or timber operations.

 

Loan Selection Process: Loan Application forms are available online or upon request from contacting office@limestonebluffsrcd.org

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Applicants are encouraged to request assistance from Limestone Bluffs RC&D in completing applications forms by calling 563-221-1930.