Summary: New Tools Bring Lenders to the Table for Local, Regional Food Enterprises

“New Tools Bring Lenders to the Table for Local, Regional Food Enterprises”
Lillian Salerno, USDA

The training program is a more technical, in-the-weeds complement to Ecotrust’s Intrepid piece which, in tandem, could provide a good introduction to food systems impact investment.  Such resources from agencies long involved in the food and agriculture fields have the ability to help shape the space for impact investors.

​Article Summary: While the USDA has long been investing in local food entrepreneurs and business to build rural development, increasing demand for local food has led venture capitalists in the same direction. In order to educate and guide investor efforts, USDA has created an online training program focused on (1) the Background on the Food Industry, (2) Assessing Regional Food Enterprises, and (3) Financing Regional Food Enterprises.