Rural Equity Investments

Investing in rural America

We deploy junior capital in businesses to build stronger, more resilient rural communities.

Mission-aligned capital partner

Rural communities are home to businesses and institutions that make key contributions to innovation and the national economy. But access to investment capital is often limited.

CoBank invests in rural businesses and community facilities to help local economies grow, create jobs and remain resilient. These investments are designed to support opportunity in rural areas while generating durable financial returns.

Person working on large industrial equipment inside a workshop with tools, hoses and machinery components visible

Big Idea Ventures' Generation Food Rural Partners' investment underscores the commitment to validating that the bio-economy can be economically viable at scale, bringing value back to rural shareholders.

Julie Willoughby, PhDCEO, TerraSafe

Junior capital for rural growth

We invest our capital through established and emerging fund managers, working alongside other financial providers and USDA programs. These investments support job creation, economic development and innovation while delivering competitive financial returns. By partnering with other investors, commercial and community banks, and Farm Credit organizations, we help strengthen balance sheets and expand opportunity across rural America.

Aerial view of an agricultural facility with multiple grain silos surrounded by trees and rural land

We’ve had tremendous support from CoBank and Farm Credit, and I know our local bank partners are solidly behind us. They understood from the start that the changes we are making are not about luxury. They’re about necessity. Ultimately, they will allow us to stay relevant and to remain a reliable resource for this community.

Kimber WraalstadAdministrator and CEO, Cook County North Shore Hospital and Care Center

Financing rural health care facilities

Rural communities deserve access to high‑quality medical care, and modern facilities are essential to delivering it. We help finance these projects through community facility bond investments, partnering with Farm Credit organizations and local banks to provide dependable debt capital. Together, we support health care facilities that strengthen rural communities and improve quality of life.