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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 are four rural projects financed by First National Bank of Oklahoma—each demonstrating how B&I loans bring big ideas to life.
1. Industrial Building Acquisition — Alabama
- Project: $11.45 million USDA B&I–guaranteed loan for the acquisition of an industrial facility along the growing I‑20 corridor east of Birmingham, AL.
- Impact: Enabled a business to secure strategic real estate, expand operations, and re‑position for long-term growth. With the facility purchased under favorable terms, the company could scale operations, hire locals, and strengthen regional logistics.
2. Cell Tower Portfolio Refinance — Midwest Region
- Project: $2.3 million USDA B&I–guaranteed refinancing of newly built cell towers spanning Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Louisiana, and Texas.
- Impact: Freed up capital for infrastructure improvements and next‑phase investment. This refinancing provided a lifeline for regional broadband providers, improving rural connectivity and ensuring continued growth across state lines
3. Rural Cell Tower Portfolio Refinance — Multi-State
- Project: $3.864 million USDA B&I–guaranteed loan to refinance a portfolio of recently constructed cell towers across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
- Impact: Extended the financial runway for essential digital infrastructure in underserved regions, enhancing rural access to broadband and supporting economic participation and development.
4. Oklahoma Hotel Acquisition & Rehabilitation
- Project: USDA B&I–guaranteed financing for the acquisition and revitalization of a rural Oklahoma hotel.
- Impact: Enabled modernization of guest rooms, systems, and property amenities. The rehab led to increased bookings, higher lodging tax contributions, and sustained job presence in tourism and hospitality. This success reinforced the transformative power of B&I-supported projects in enhancing rural community amenities.
First National Bank of Oklahoma
Why These Projects Are Significant
Each of these examples illustrates core strengths of the USDA B&I Loan Program:
- Asset acquisition and business stabilization, creating stronger operating platforms.
- Infrastructure investment in essential services, like broadband, particularly vital in rural areas.
- Community revitalization, especially through regional amenities like hotels and visitor services.
- Regional and rural impact—these projects span multiple states or elevate underserved areas, delivering impact at scale.
First National Bank of Oklahoma: Empowering Rural Visionaries
These projects reflect the kind of transformation that B&I loans support—and First National Bank of Oklahoma helps make possible. Our USDA-certified team works closely with borrowers to:
- Navigate eligibility requirements
- Structure loans strategically for growth
- Pair USDA guarantees with other incentive programs
- Close deals efficiently to keep projects on time
From warehousing and telecom to hospitality, we’re committed to building a stronger future for rural Oklahoma and beyond.
Final Takeaway
These case studies demonstrate just how impactful USDA B&I financing can be: from building acquisitions and infrastructure refinancing to hospitality revitalization. With B&I guarantees, rural America gains access to long-term, flexible capital—and the opportunity to grow in ways once considered out of reach.
If you’re planning a project in an eligible rural community, let us help bring your vision to life.