Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)
RFP Summary provided by the agency
This program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:
- Provide microloans for microenterprise startups and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
- Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs
The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities:
- Assisting rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
- Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD programs and benefits from RD funded projects.
- Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.
More details on the key priorities may be found at: Rural Development Priorities.
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.
What is the mission and focus of the program: research, social, economic or others?
Economic
How do you submit to this opportunity?
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Please reach out to your local state office for additional information and to apply.
You may submit your application in paper form or electronically through Grants.gov. If you submit in paper form, any forms requiring signatures must include an original signature.
Who are the target applicants: cities, universities, companies, small business, nonprofits, or others?
The following are eligible to be a Microenterprise Development Organization:
- Nonprofits.
- 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.
