USDA Loans for Commercial Real Estate: How Developers Finance Rural Projects with Jordan Blanchard

Most developers, investors, and business owners hear “USDA loan” and immediately think of farms, agriculture, or rural housing. But USDA financing can also be a powerful tool for commercial real estate projects, business acquisitions, new construction, renovations, equipment, working capital, and rural economic development. In this episode, Raphael Collazo, CCIM sits down with Jordan Blanchard, USDA lender and Co-Founder of X-Caliber Rural Capital, to break down how USDA-backed financing works for commercial real estate and business projects. Jordan explains how USDA loan programs can help eligible borrowers access capital for projects in rural communities, including areas near major cities that many people may not realize still qualify. He also shares what lenders look for during underwriting, how USDA financing compares to conventional loans and SBA loans, and the common mistakes that can delay or derail a USDA loan application. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What types of commercial real estate projects may qualify for USDA financing ✅ How USDA financing applies to business and commercial real estate ✅ How USDA defines “rural” ✅ Why some areas near major cities may still qualify ✅ USDA loans vs. conventional commercial loans and SBA loans ✅ The types of businesses and operators that are often a good fit ✅ Using USDA loans for acquisitions, construction, renovations, equipment, and working capital ✅ What the underwriting process looks like ✅ Minimum and maximum loan size considerations ✅ Common reasons USDA loans get delayed or denied ✅ What brokers, developers, and business owners should do first if they think a project may qualify Whether you are a commercial real estate broker, developer, investor, lender, or business owner, this conversation will help you better understand one of the most overlooked financing tools in commercial real estate. If you are exploring a project in a rural or secondary market, USDA financing may be worth a closer look. ▶️ Connect with Jordan Blanchard: ▶ Website: https://xrcusda.com ▶ LinkedIn:   / x-caliberruralcapital   If you like the video, please SUBSCRIBE and don’t forget to press the bell 🔔, 👍 like, comment, and share. 📌 About Your Host — Raphael Collazo, CCIM: Raphael is a commercial real estate broker, investor, and developer based in Louisville, KY. He is President & Co-Founder of Summit Commercial Group, a CCIM designee, and author of 3 CRE books. He has been featured in Commercial Property Executive for his innovative use of AI in commercial real estate brokerage. 🔗 Website: https://raphaelcollazo.com 🔗 LinkedIn:   / raphaelcollazo   📧 [email protected] | 📞 502-536-7315 🆓 Free CRE Resources: https://linktr.ee/raphaelcollazocre