Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
Department Of Agriculture, Rural Business Cooperative Service
Provide rural microentrepreneurs with the skills necessary to establish new rural microenterprises and to provide continuing technical and financial assistance related to the successful operation of rural microenterprises. (1) Make direct loans to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDO), which may be a non-profit entity, Indian Tribe or public institution of higher education for the purpose of capitalizing microloan revolving funds to provide fixed interest rate business loans of the les
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Helps rural small business owners get loans up to $50,000 and training for their business needs. Organizations can also receive grants for additional support services.
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What Is This Program?
What Benefits Are Offered?
This program provides loans ($50,000 to $500,000) and grants (up to $100,000 annually) to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs). The loans are used to establish a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund, and grants support training and technical assistance for rural micro-entrepreneurs. MDOs then provide microloans (up to $50,000) to ultimate recipients for qualified business activities such as working capital, debt refinancing, purchasing equipment/supplies, and improving real estate.
Who Is Eligible?
Business Size: small
Industries: general business
Region: rural areas (outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents)
Other Criteria: Nonprofit organizations, federally-recognized tribes, or institutions of higher education (for Microenterprise Development Organizations), Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or certify relevant education/training, or be actively participating in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or similar loan programs, At least 15% matching funds required for grants (from MDOs), Ultimate microenterprise recipients must have 10 or fewer full-time employees, Ultimate microenterprise project service area must be located in an eligible rural area (borrower's headquarters may be in a larger city if project is rural)
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions
This program is available to small businesses in general business industries located in rural areas (outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents).
This program offers funding up to $9,506,974 (minimum $8,443,414).
This program accepts applications on a rolling basis.
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