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USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) Loans and Grants for Microenterprise Development Organizations

The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service is seeking applications for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) to support rural microenterprise development in fiscal year 2026. - Government Buyer: - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), Rural Development (RD) - Program Overview: - Provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) - Supports microenterprise startups and growth in rural areas - Loan funds are used to establish or recapitalize revolving loan programs for rural microentrepreneurs - Grant funds are used for technical assistance and entrepreneurship training - Eligibility and Funding: - Eligible applicants: domestic non-profits, Indian Tribes, and public institutions of higher education - Maximum loan award: $500,000 - Maximum grant award: $100,000 - Total available funding: approximately $21 million - Minimum 15% cost share required for grants - Application and Performance Details: - Applications accepted quarterly throughout fiscal year 2026 - Subsequent annual technical assistance grants available based on microlending activity and fund availability - Notable Requirements: - Applicants must comply with federal eligibility and reporting requirements - No specific OEMs or vendors are involved, as this is a financial assistance program - Place of Performance and Submission: - Projects located in rural areas; applications submitted to the appropriate RD State Office - USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Description

The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to support microenterprise startups and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund. The program offers loan only, combination loan and technical assistance grants, and subsequent technical assistance grants to MDOs. Eligible applicants include domestic non-profit entities, Indian Tribes, and public institutions of higher education. The program aims to support rural microentrepreneurs by providing microloans and technical assistance to foster entrepreneurship and business development in rural areas.

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