Program Overview
The program helps rural businesses innovate, diversify, and take advantage of emerging market opportunities. It addresses the financing needs of Maryland agribusinesses unable to obtain commercial financing for working capital and equipment purchases from traditional lenders.
Application Development
Applications must be originated by the applicant and partnering lending organization. Cooperative Extension agents, county agricultural marketing officials, and other business professionals may assist.
$15,000
Minimum loan
$100,000
Maximum loan
4.75%
With public-sector lender
6.75%
Without public-sector lender
Public Sector Lender Participation
A public-sector lender may participate in the application process by committing to a specified level of matching financing and completing a form included in the application packet.
Commercial Lender Involvement
When an applicant does not have a participating public-sector lender, a commercial lender must provide a credit-denial letter or complete the commercial lender referral form included in the application packet.
Personal Guarantee
Required. All loans made to a business entity must be personally guaranteed by its owners.
Loan Terms and Conditions
Loan Terms
Equipment: 3 to 8 years, with up to 12 months interest-only. Operating loan: 1 to 2 years, with up to six months interest-only.
Fee and Equity
Origination fee: 1% of loan amount. Typical equity requirement: 10% of project cost.
Application Submission Process
Originate application
Applications are originated by the applicant and partnering lending organization.
Submit application
Send to:
MARBIDCO Agribusiness Loan Program, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403, or info@marbidco.org.
Processing
Applications are processed as received.
Equity Incentive Program
The Upper Shore Regional Council and MARBIDCO offer a 5% equity contribution toward eligible loans for farmers in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne's counties, up to the applicable program maximum.
Program Overview
MARBIDCO’s Agribusiness Equipment and Working Capital Loan Fund helps rural and agricultural businesses in Maryland that cannot obtain traditional commercial financing. In response to the April 21, 2026 freeze event, the Moore Administration asked MARBIDCO to consider modifications to its programs that support farmers impacted by the natural disaster. Through May 14, 2027, MARBIDCO is offering reduced-cost financing through its Agribusiness Equipment and Working Capital Loan program, to eligible vineyard, hops and orchard producers affected financially or operationally by the freeze. Freeze Relief loans may be used for recovery needs including equipment purchases and working capital.
Application Development
Applications must be originated by the applicant and partnering lending organization. Cooperative Extension agents, county agricultural marketing officials, and other business professionals may assist.
Eligible Counties:
Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester, and Baltimore City.
$15,000
Minimum loan
$100,000
Maximum loan
2.50%
With public-sector lender
3.50%
Without public-sector lender
Public Sector Lender Participation
A public-sector lender may participate in the application process by committing to a specified level of matching financing and completing a form included in the application packet.
Commercial Lender Involvement
None. MARBIDCO is waiving the usual required commercial lender referral or denial letter for applicants applying without a public-sector lender
Personal Guarantee
Required. All loans made to a business entity must be personally guaranteed by its owners.
Loan Terms and Conditions
Loan Terms
Equipment: 3 to 8 years, with up to 12 months interest-only. Operating loan: 1 to 2 years, with up to six months interest-only.
Fee and Equity
Origination fee reduced from 1% to 0.25%. Typical equity requirement: 10% of project cost.
Application Submission Process
Originate application
Applications are originated by the applicant and partnering lending organization.
Application Deadline & Submission Process
Applications Due: May 14, 2027
Send to:
MARBIDCO Agribusiness Loan Program, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403, or info@marbidco.org.
Processing
Applications are processed as received.