Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program

The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) is administered by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program is a key tool in the agency’s efforts to support rural development and economic resilience. RMAP’s objective is to aid the development and ongoing success of microenterprises in rural communities by offering financial and technical assistance to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs). The initiative aligns with the agency's strategic priorities, including bolstering program integrity and minimizing fraud and abuse. RMAP provides financial support through two primary mechanisms: direct loans and technical assistance grants. These funds are intended to help MDOs establish or recapitalize revolving loan programs that provide microloans to rural entrepreneurs. In addition, grants enable MDOs to deliver technical assistance and entrepreneurship training to microentrepreneurs. Organizations may apply for a loan-only award, a combined loan and grant award, or a subsequent technical assistance grant if already participating. The FY 2026 funding cycle offers approximately $21 million, with the maximum individual loan set at $500,000 and technical assistance grants capped at $100,000. To be eligible, applicants must be domestic non-profit entities, Indian Tribes as defined by 25 U.S.C. 5304(e), or public institutions of higher education. Organizations must demonstrate the capacity to provide training, technical assistance, or facilitate access to capital. They must also meet the regulatory requirements outlined in 7 CFR 4280.310, including compliance with federal debt obligations and the Do Not Pay System. A matching contribution of at least 15% of the total grant amount is required and can be satisfied through funds, in-kind contributions, or indirect costs. Applications are evaluated based on criteria set in 7 CFR 4280.316, with a minimum score of 60 out of 100 required for consideration. Competitions for funding occur quarterly, with deadlines at the end of each quarter: September 30, 2025; December 31, 2025; March 31, 2026; and June 30, 2026. Applications not funded in a given round but scoring at least 60 points are retained for up to three additional cycles. Annual microlender technical assistance grants for current MDOs are awarded non-competitively, based on activity levels and fund availability, with a submission deadline of August 1, 2026. Applicants must submit complete application packages electronically to the USDA RD State Office corresponding to their project location. Components of the application include eligibility documentation, Form RD 1910-11, and certification of credit unavailability. Entities seeking subsequent grants must submit a worksheet detailing microloan balances and unused grant funds, alongside a letter certifying continued eligibility. All MDOs requesting follow-on grants must also report quarterly into the LINC system by June 30, 2026. For further information, applicants are encouraged to contact Shamika Johnson at [email protected] or reach out to their RD State Office. Award announcements are made through the state offices, and unsuccessful applicants will be informed by mail with the reasons for non-selection. The performance period for annual microlender technical assistance grants ends June 30, 2026. All awards are subject to federal civil rights laws, environmental review requirements, and additional administrative guidelines outlined by USDA regulations.

Ensure strong narrative alignment with scoring criteria (7 CFR 4280.316); maintain LINC compliance; timely electronic submission to state offices.