In 2009 we were given a letter confirming our qualification for the USDA Rural Development guranty loan program.  The 3rd stipulation of that program states that it does not include "private affairs or commercial or business undertakings."  It was determined by the state USDA office and confirmed by the federal office that because CreekSide was non-profit and member owned, clause 3 did not apply to us, and we were therefore eligible for the program.

We were unable to get a bank to lend us money even with a USDA guaranty, which then qualified us to borrow money directly from the USDA.  The state office in Harrisburg was told that a portion of the federal stimulus money would be coming to them so it was assumed that there would be sufficient funds for our project, and they placed CreekSide near the top of their list of recommended loan recipients.  After months of positive response, in September we were turned down, citing clause 3 as the reason. 

We then appealed that decision and in March, 2011 learned that we were successful.  Our application is still in the hands of the USDA's PA office, who await their allocation of the recently approved federal budget.

Last updated on May 17, 2011 by Andy Schloss