Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program is sponsored by Federal Banking Institution (administered in Alabama). This program is designed to stimulate the growth of microenterprises, empowering Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) that support small businesses, particularly in economically disadvantaged rural areas.

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program What does the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program do?

Provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to: Provide microloans to help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs Who may apply for this program?

The following are eligible to be an MDO: Federally-recognized Tribes Institutions of higher education The following are eligible to apply for a loan from the MDO as an ultimate recipient: Businesses located in an eligible area with 10 or fewer full-time employees What is an eligible area? Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of less than 50,000. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.

The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area. The lender may be located anywhere. Check eligible addresses for Business Programs.

Are there other requirements?

MDOs must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund , or: Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund; or Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

How much funding is available to MDOs? Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

Loans of $50,000 - $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the MDO. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2. 5 million.

What are the loan terms for the MDOs? Must establish a loan loss reserve fund What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients? Limited to 75 percent of project cost Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to: Purchase equipment and supplies Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Please reach out to your local state office for additional information and to apply for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. Who can answer questions? What governs this program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 7 CFR 4280, subpart D This program is authorized by Section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 USC 2008s) Why does USDA Rural Development do this? To support the development and ongoing success of rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises. https://www.

rd. usda. gov/programs-services/rural-microentrepreneur-assistance-program Category: USDA Rural Development, Federal Incentives More USDA Rural Development, Federal Incentives Advanced Biofuel Payment Program What does this program do?

Support and ensure an expanding production of advanced biofuels by paying advanced biofuel producers for finished advanced biofuel products Who may apply? Any entity that produces and sells advanced biofuel is eligible to apply. Eligible advanced biofuels:...

Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program What does this program do? This program assists in the development, construction, and retrofitting of new and emerging technologies for advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products by providing loan guarantees up to $250 million. Who may apply for this program?

Lenders with legal authority, sufficient experience... Business & Industry Loan Guarantees What does this program do? This program bolsters the availability of private credit by guaranteeing loans for rural businesses.

Who may apply for this program? Lenders with the legal authority, sufficient experience and financial strength to operate a successful lending program. This includes:...

Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. For example, this program can link teachers and medical service providers in... Distributed Generation Energy Project Financing Who may apply for financing?

Energy project developers for distributed energy projects Electric Program borrowers or other utilities that serve rural areas How may funds be used? For project loans, there are three typical situations: Existing borrower (cooperative)... Energy Resource Conservation What does this program do?

The Energy Resource Conservation (ERC) Program enables current Rural Utilities Service (RUS) borrowers to make funds available to their consumers for energy conservation and renewable energy projects by deferring payment of principal and interest. Who may apply?... Intermediary Relending Program What does this program do?

Provides 1 percent low-interest loans to local intermediaries that re-lend to businesses to improve economic conditions and create jobs in rural communities. Who may apply for this program? The following are eligible to be an intermediary lender:...

Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program (Broadband Program) furnishes loans and loan guarantees to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide service at the broadband lending speed in eligible rural areas... Rural Business Investment Program What does this program do?

This program provides a Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) license to newly formed venture capital organizations to help meet the equity capital investment needs in rural communities. Who may apply for this program? Eligible applicants for the...

Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The ultimate...

Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants What does this program do? Provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Who may apply?

Agricultural producers with at least 50% of... Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant What does this program do? The primary objective of the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant program is to provide technical assistance to socially-disadvantaged groups through cooperatives and Cooperative Development Centers.

Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a Notice published in the Federal Register and an announcement...

Strategic Economic and Community Development Strategic Economic and Community Development is a Farm Bill provision that allows USDA to give priority for projects that support the implementation of regional economic development plans through the following four USDA Rural Development programs: Community Facilities Loans, Grants and Loan Guarantees Water...

Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans & Loan Guarantees Announcement : Open Letter From Assistant Administrator(PDF) to all RUS Telecommunications Infrastructure Borrowers, Farm Bill Broadband Borrowers and Broadband Initiatives Program ("BIP") Borrowers ("Borrowers") that currently submit dual Operating Reports through the on-line Data Collection System ("DCS") and Borrower Collection and Analysis system ("BCAS").

Announcement : Effective October... Value Added Producer Grants What does this program do? The Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of new products.

The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income... Keep up with the latest news and announcements from TCEDA.