Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
Funds organizations to support rural microentrepreneurs with loans, training, and technical assistance.
Funder: Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Due Dates: September 30, 2025 (Q1) | December 31, 2025 (Q2) | March 31, 2026 (Q3) | June 30, 2026 (Q4) | August 1, 2026 (Technical Assistance Grant Request/Reporting)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per grant; up to $500,000 per loan; approx. $3.2M available for grants; $21M total program funds (includes loans and grants)
Summary: Supports nonprofit organizations, Tribes, and public institutions of higher education in providing loans, training, and technical assistance to rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises.
Key Information: 15% match required; applications must be submitted to the appropriate RD State Office by the stated deadlines.
Description
This program provides grants and loans to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to support rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises. The funding is intended to help MDOs offer microloans, technical assistance, and entrepreneurship training to rural businesses with 10 or fewer full-time employees. The program aims to foster the growth and sustainability of small businesses in eligible rural areas, strengthening local economies and increasing access to capital and business expertise.
