Program Name: Rural Micro-entrepreneur Assistance Program
Organization: United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development
Address: 2118 W. Part Court, Suite A, Champaign, IL 61821
Phone: 217-403-6200
Fax:
TDD:
Email:
Website: https://go.usa.gov/xzD5Z
Briefly Describe the Purpose of the Program
Provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to: To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund. Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs
Year Program Established:
Eligibility Requirements or Restrictions
Open to: Nonprofits, federally recognized Tribes, and institutions of higher education (Ultimate recipient borrowers must be businesses with 10 or less full-time employees.) Rural areas with populations of 50,000 or fewer. Terms and Conditions:

Microenterprise Development Organizations 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.

·       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.
Application Deadline: Quarterly – March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31
Application Guidelines:
Funding Cap Per Application or Fiscal Year Program Funding:
How Must Funds Be Used:
Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to: Working capital, Debt refinancing, purchasing equipment and supplies, Improving real estate.