Business Spotlight: Regional Investment Corporation with John Howard (RIC Partner ep)

This business spotlight episode is a practical deep dive into the Regional Investment Corporation, how it works, why it exists, and how it’s helping farmers manage risk and build stronger businesses. CEO John Howard shares his journey across agriculture, food, and finance and breaks down how concessional loans can provide breathing room during tough seasons and create opportunities for long-term growth. This episode explains what RIC does, who it’s for, and how farmers can access loans to improve cash flow, rebuild after hardship, or enter the industry. For anyone in agriculture looking to better manage risk, understand finance options, or plan for the future, this is a practical and highly relevant conversation. RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times. Key insights from the conversation: What the Regional Investment Corporation is (and isn’t) The role of concessional finance in agriculture Managing risk through drought, flood, and volatility Why timing and preparation matter when accessing finance The reality of farm business resilience in Australia