OCC Focuses on Business Lending in Rural Areas

WASHINGTON—The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today published a Community Developments Insights report that looks at bank participation in the USDA Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. By reducing lender risk, this program helps banks supply loans to businesses across rural America. The report highlights how banks can make loans through this program to support businesses, expand employment, further economic development in rural areas, and help meet their Community Reinvestment Act goals.

"Job creation and improving the economic climate in rural America are among this program’s primary goals," said Comptroller of the Currency Thomas J. Curry. "The USDA program enables lenders to help mitigate risk and assist rural businesses with their financing needs."

The Insights report highlights the potential benefits and risks posed to lenders by the USDA Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, describes the program’s regulatory requirements, and outlines the program’s processes.

The Insights report can be accessed by selecting "Community Affairs" on the OCC Internet home page, https://www.occ.gov, and choosing "Publications."