Thread Capital and Array Community Development Corporation offer loans up to $50,000 for new and existing shellfish growers in North Carolina. This is not a grant program. This loan program is a partnership with the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center and the North Carolina Coastal Federation, designed to support the growth of the NC shellfish industry.  We have a specific focus on small businesses that are owned by people of color, women, low-income individuals, and rural-based individuals. 

Program Overview
  • Working capital loan
  • Equipment loan
  • No penalty for prepayment
  • Federal crop insurance - NAP PROGRAM
  • only NC businesses
Access to Capital


  • Credit counseling
  • Fixed interest rate of 
  • Prime rate + 2.25%
  • Minimum of 12 months
  • Maximum of 24 months
  • Up to $50,000
Equipment Needs


  • Technical assistance
  • Fixed interest rate of 
  • Prime + 2.25%
  • Minimum of 12 months
  • Maximum of 60 months
  • Up to $50,000

Apply for a Loan

Click the image to begin the application process

Resources

Click the image if you would like to start a business in the shellfish industry.

Contact Us

Contact us at ncshellfish@arraycdc.org

Program Eligibility

The business must have:

1. USDA FSA Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)coverage.
2. A shellfish lease from the NC Department of Environmental Quality.
3. The shellfish operation must be physically located in North Carolina.

Other Requirements

1. Any individual with greater than 20 percent ownership in the applying business must co-sign the loan.



Download the Shellfish Growers Loan informational flyer

Partners