Author Archives: FNB

When policymakers and business leaders consider the impact of rural development, they often focus on job creation — and for good reason. But there’s another powerful and measurable outcome of USDA Business & Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loans that deserves more attention: A 1% increase in B&I investment results in a 0.55% increase in sales tax […]

The USDA Business & Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program doesn’t just provide capital—it empowers rural businesses to scale, innovate, and create local impact. With over 130 USDA B&I–backed projects in Oklahoma since 2015, and more than $665 million in loan guarantees, the program is reshaping rural economic landscapes across the state and the nation. Here […]

When it comes to strategic rural lending, Oklahoma stands tall. Over the past decade, the state has consistently ranked among the top performers in the nation for USDA Business & Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan activity. Between 2015 and 2024, Oklahoma secured more than $665 million in B&I loan guarantees—supporting more than 130 projects across dozens […]

In the world of economic development, there’s often a trade-off between public spending and tangible results. But what if we told you there’s a federal program that not only strengthens rural communities and drives job growth—but also grows state tax revenues in a measurable, lasting way? That’s exactly what the USDA Business & Industry (B&I) […]

Over the course of a decade, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program has transformed rural communities by unlocking capital, stimulating growth, and—most notably—creating or saving an estimated 750,000 jobs between 2012 and 2022. According to a 2025 economic assessment by Summit LLC, this cornerstone program not only brings private […]