Waterside news & industry developments

$49 MM USDA Financing – Vertical Harvest Farms

Waterside facilitated $49 million in USDA-guaranteed debt within a $90 million construction-to-permanent facility for a multi-story vertical farm in Westbrook, Maine. By aligning USDA B&I and REAP loans with C-PACE and state-level funding, Waterside navigated complex eligibility rules and delivered a financing path previously considered out of reach. The transaction demonstrates how disciplined program fluency and creative structuring can make high-impact controlled-environment agriculture feasible in urban-adjacent markets.

$25 MM Bridge-to-USDA Recapitalization – AeroFarms

Waterside delivered a $25 million Bridge-to-USDA loan to recapitalize existing debt for New AeroFarms after restructuring. The bridge provided immediate liquidity and preserved USDA eligibility while long-term B&I permanent financing is underway. This two-step approach allowed the borrower to maintain control, stabilize operations, and continue scaling a next-generation CEA platform—showcasing Waterside's ability to connect private bridge capital with government-backed take-out financing.

$11.2 MM USDA B&I Expansion Loan – Midwest Food Processor

A regional food manufacturer received $11.2 million in long-term USDA B&I financing to expand production capacity and modernize equipment. Waterside structured terms that lowered borrowing costs, extended amortization, and reduced personal recourse—addressing challenges conventional lenders couldn't meet. The new facility added skilled jobs and strengthened the area's agricultural supply chain, underscoring how USDA-backed capital can sustain growth in rural communities.

$60 MM REAP + EB-5 Capital Stack – Utility-Scale Solar Farm

Waterside delivered a $60 million capital stack to finance a 48 MWdc solar farm in a rural, low-income region—combining long-term USDA REAP debt with EB-5 investor equity. The structure bridged federal tax-credit timing, preserved project control, and delivered clean power to over 7,000 homes. By aligning USDA guarantees with international capital, Waterside accelerated execution, created local jobs, and secured permanent, affordable financing.

Bridge-to-USDA Platform Expands Nationally

Waterside secured a partnership with a large institutional capital provider to expand its Bridge-to-USDA platform across its USDA client base. The program provides short-term execution capital that transitions seamlessly into USDA-guaranteed permanent financing—giving borrowers both speed and stability. By pairing private bridge capital with government-backed long-term debt, Waterside enables complex projects to break ground faster while maintaining the benefits of low-cost, long-duration financing.

$12.5 MM USDA Financing – Hawaii Sea Spirits

Waterside delivered $12.5 million in USDA-backed financing to Hawaii Sea Spirits, producers of Ocean Organic Vodka, to support expansion of its Maui distillery and organic farm operations. The facility included construction of new production space, equipment purchases, refinancing of existing obligations, and working capital for growth. The long-term financing provided stable, low-cost capital that improved cash flow and strengthened the company's ability to scale distribution while continuing its commitment to sustainable, island-grown spirits.