We believe that agritourism creates unforgettable experiences, educates and connects us to the farms and food producers that make Vermont special.
"Agritourism" is the practice of creating opportunities for on-farm experiences including recreation, education, entertainment, hospitality and direct sales. Typical agritourism activities include operation of a farm stand, horseback riding, food & wine tasting, harvest festivals, overnight stays or guided tours. Agritourism connects us to the land, and the food we eat, and it is an invaluable resource for farmers and food producers to diversify their sources of revenue and sustainability.
The Vermont Community Loan Fund's Agritourism Loan Program provides financing and business development services that help Vermont's farmers and food producers make agritourism a part of their business model.
"Agritourism" is the practice of creating opportunities for on-farm experiences including recreation, education, entertainment, hospitality and direct sales. Typical agritourism activities include operation of a farm stand, horseback riding, food & wine tasting, harvest festivals, overnight stays or guided tours. Agritourism connects us to the land, and the food we eat, and it is an invaluable resource for farmers and food producers to diversify their sources of revenue and sustainability.
The Vermont Community Loan Fund's Agritourism Loan Program provides financing and business development services that help Vermont's farmers and food producers make agritourism a part of their business model.
LEARN MORE
Please email our Lending Team at admin@vclf.org, or call us at 802-223-1448.
ELIGIBILITY
- Businesses must be owned and operated by Vermont farmers.
- Your business must support agritourism on Vermont's farms.
- You must provide goods and services directly to consumers.
- The majority of your household income must come from agricultural-related sources.
ACCEPTABLE USES
- Projects enhancing on-farm experiences and/or encouraging people visit farms.
- Projects related to increase the safety for guests on farms.
- On-farm and community infrastructure specific to agritourism enterprises: parking, restrooms, accessibility, education, electronic technologies, signage and aesthetics.
RATES AND TERMS
- Terms range from several months to 20 years, are project-specific and based on the project need and strength of the proposal. Fixed interest rates start at 3% and vary according to project focus, potential for social impact and the strength of your application.
- A $60 application fee is due at the time the loan request is submitted. An origination fee of 1% of the loan amount, a $125 documentation fee and associated filing fees are due upon closing. In some cases, origination and closing fees may be financed.
WHAT IF MY PROJECT HAS OTHER FINANCING NEEDS?
- If your project is greater than $50,000 or is ineligible for agritourism funding, VCLF also has loan funds available through the Food, Farms & Forests Fund or through our general business loan program.
HOW TO APPLY
We encourage you to speak with us before submitting a loan application. Please email admin@vclf.org or call us at 802-223-1448.
ELIGIBILITY
- Businesses must be owned and operated by Vermont farmers.
- Your business must support agritourism on Vermont's farms.
- You must provide goods and services directly to consumers.
- The majority of your household income must come from agricultural-related sources.
ACCEPTABLE USES
- Projects enhancing on-farm experiences and/or encouraging people visit farms.
- Projects related to increase the safety for guests on farms.
- On-farm and community infrastructure specific to agritourism enterprises: parking, restrooms, accessibility, education, electronic technologies, signage and aesthetics.
RATES AND TERMS
- Terms range from several months to 20 years, are project-specific and based on the project need and strength of the proposal. Fixed interest rates start at 3% and vary according to project focus, potential for social impact and the strength of your application.
- A $60 application fee is due at the time the loan request is submitted. An origination fee of 1% of the loan amount, a $125 documentation fee and associated filing fees are due upon closing. In some cases, origination and closing fees may be financed.
WHAT IF MY PROJECT HAS OTHER FINANCING NEEDS?
- If your project is greater than $50,000 or is ineligible for agritourism funding, VCLF also has loan funds available through the Food, Farms & Forests Fund or through our general business loan program.
HOW TO APPLY
We encourage you to speak with us before submitting a loan application. Please email admin@vclf.org or call us at 802-223-1448.
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