Part 3: Mapping Success: Why Oklahoma Is a Top 5 State for USDA B&I Lending

Published on
July 28, 2025

When rural capital moves with purpose, it creates momentum—and Oklahoma is a national leader in getting it right. From 2015 to 2024, the state secured over $665 million in USDA Business & Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan commitments, supporting more than 130 projects across its rural landscape. That performance places Oklahoma firmly in the Top 5 nationally for B&I volume, according to the 2025 economic assessment by Summit LLC.

At GLSUSDA, we’ve been directly involved in many of these transactions—structuring USDA loan packages that help rural businesses grow, create jobs, and build lasting community assets.

What Makes Oklahoma a B&I Powerhouse?

1. Rural Business Readiness

Oklahoma has a rich mix of industries across its small towns—making it a natural fit for the flexibility of the B&I program. From agriculture to advanced manufacturing, the entrepreneurial spirit here runs deep.

2. Bankers Who Understand USDA

GLSUSDA works closely with community and regional lenders across the state who know how to navigate USDA requirements and maximize impact. Our packaging and advisory team ensures deals are compliant, competitive, and fast-tracked.

3. Public-Private Alignment

Economic development organizations, tribal authorities, and chambers of commerce in Oklahoma actively promote B&I lending as part of their capital stack. This alignment accelerates adoption and improves project readiness.

By the Numbers: Oklahoma’s USDA B&I Activity (2015–2024)

  • 130+ Projects Financed with USDA B&I guarantees
  • $665 Million in Total Loan Volume committed
  • Broad Rural Reach: Funds deployed in Ada, McAlester, Woodward, Stillwater, and many more towns under 50,000
  • National Leadership: Oklahoma outperformed larger states like Texas and California in B&I volume

These numbers reflect more than program use—they reflect strong execution and lasting local benefit.

What Types of Projects Are Being Funded?

➤ Food & Agriculture

From grain elevators to cold storage and value-added processing, B&I loans are modernizing Oklahoma’s ag infrastructure.

➤ Manufacturing & Industrial Expansion

Small-town manufacturers are using USDA financing to automate production lines, buy specialized equipment, and expand facilities.

➤ Energy & Logistics

Fuel distributors, freight operators, and site development firms are leveraging B&I capital for trucks, warehouses, and project buildouts.

➤ Healthcare & Hospitality

Critical access hospitals, rural clinics, and independent hotels are expanding their capacity and upgrading operations with long-term USDA-backed capital.

Example: Hotel Rehabilitation in Southeastern Oklahoma

Project: Local operator exercised a lease-to-own option and used a $1.68M B&I loan to acquire and renovate a rural hotel.

Outcome: Property rebranded, added new digital booking systems, and doubled average occupancy.

Impact: 15+ new jobs, improved lodging access, and measurable gains in tourism revenue.

GLSUSDA advised the lender on eligibility, packaged the USDA file, and supported the borrower through closing.

Oklahoma’s Lending Performance: What the Data Shows

Summit LLC’s independent evaluation found:

  • Consistent Growth: B&I volume in Oklahoma increased year over year
  • Low Defaults: Oklahoma’s portfolio showed strong repayment and risk control
  • High Job Creation: Projects created more jobs per dollar than national B&I averages

This confirms that Oklahoma isn’t just active—it’s effective.

Why Now? Why USDA B&I?

In FY2025, USDA set a record $3.5 billion in B&I lending authority with a subsidy rate of just 0.2%—meaning it costs the federal government just 20 cents for every $100 lent.

With reshoring, energy independence, and rural revitalization back in focus, USDA B&I capital is more relevant—and more accessible—than ever before.

How GLSUSDA Helps Make These Deals Happen

We don’t just advise—we execute. GLSUSDA supports:

  • Rural Eligibility Scans & Deal Feasibility
  • Loan Structuring & Collateral Mapping
  • Full USDA Application Packaging
  • Lender Coordination & Timeline Management

Our track record in Oklahoma includes hundreds of millions in USDA-backed lending, and we bring this experience to every new deal.

Final Takeaway

Oklahoma’s Top 5 ranking in USDA B&I lending is no coincidence. It’s the product of:

  • Entrepreneurs with vision
  • Lenders with USDA knowledge
  • Communities with coordination
  • And advisors like GLSUSDA who know how to turn potential into approvals

If your rural Oklahoma business is ready to scale, modernize, or build something new—GLSUSDA is ready to help you finance it.