Most spray and thermal drones are financed with an equipment loan or lease from a bank, farm lender or equipment finance company, because grants for private drone businesses are rare. Farmers may also qualify for USDA farm loans, and small businesses can look at SBA-backed loans. Federal grant money generally can't be used to buy DJI drones under the American Security Drone Act, so check any grant's rules before you apply.
Equipment loans
A loan secured by the drone and its batteries and generator. Lenders look at your credit, business history and how the equipment will earn money. Bring:
- A full quote: aircraft, batteries, charger or generator, spreader or payloads, and training
- Your licensing status (Part 107, Part 137 and state applicator license for spraying)
- A simple revenue plan, such as expected acres per season times your rate per acre. See drone spraying cost per acre.
Farm credit lenders and local ag banks know seasonal cash flow and often structure payments around harvest.
Leasing
A lease lowers the upfront cost and can bundle batteries and service. At the end you may return, renew or buy the equipment. Compare the total of all payments with a loan, and check who pays for repairs and battery replacement. Short seasonal rentals are another option; see renting vs buying a spray drone.
USDA and SBA programs
- USDA Farm Service Agency farm operating loans can help eligible farmers buy equipment. Ask your local FSA office about eligibility and current terms.
- SBA-backed loans: the 7(a) program covers equipment and working capital; SBA microloans go up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders.
- The SBA says it does not give grants to start or expand a business.
Grants
Grants for drones exist mostly for governments, schools and research, not private service businesses:
- Public safety thermal drones: agencies sometimes use federal or state grants, but under the American Security Drone Act, federal grant funds generally can't buy or operate drones from covered foreign makers, including DJI, since December 22, 2025.
- Infrastructure: the Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant program funds state, local and tribal governments, with the same restriction. See the DIIG program.
- State agriculture grants: some states run equipment or innovation grants. Check your state department of agriculture and read whether drones and specific brands qualify.
Tax treatment
Business equipment can often be depreciated or expensed under Section 179. Rules and limits change, so ask a tax professional before you buy.
What you're financing
| Drone | Use | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Agras T50 | 40 L spraying, 75 L spreading | Quote |
| Matrice 4T | Thermal and zoom for inspection, public safety, deer recovery | Quote |
Budget beyond the aircraft: spare batteries, charging, insurance, licensing and training. See spray drone cost.
Watch the policy news
Imported drones now carry a tariff, and a July 2026 FCC proposal would restrict further sales of some drones, including spray and thermal models; it is not adopted. Models authorized before December 2025 remain legal to buy and fly. See is DJI banned in the US.
Information current as of October 2026. This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice.
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