Description
The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to support the development and ongoing success of rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises. The program offers loan only, combination loan and technical assistance grant, and subsequent technical assistance grants to MDOs. Loan funds are used by the MDO to establish or recapitalize a revolving loan program for making microloans to a rural microentrepreneur business, while grant funds are used by the MDO to provide technical assistance and entrepreneurship training to rural individuals and businesses.
• The program is authorized by Section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and is codified as 7 U.S.C. 2008s.
• Eligible applicants are domestic organizations that are non-profit entities, Indian Tribes, or public institutions of higher education.
• The cost share requirement shall be met by the microlender in accordance with the requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.311(d).
• Applications will be evaluated and scored based on the selection criteria and weights contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D.
• The Agency anticipates approximately $21 million in funding for FY 2026, with a maximum award amount of $500,000 for loans and $100,000 for grants.