Rural Microentrepreneur Program(RMAP)

The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP), administered by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a federally supported initiative focused on bolstering rural economies through microenterprise development. Established under Section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and codified at 7 U.S.C. 2008s, the program seeks to empower rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises by expanding access to capital and technical assistance. The 2026 funding round continues this mission by offering loans and grants to eligible domestic nonprofit organizations, Indian Tribes, and public institutions of higher education. The primary objective of RMAP is to support Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) in establishing or recapitalizing revolving loan funds that disburse microloans to rural microenterprises. Alongside loan capital, RMAP provides grants for technical assistance and entrepreneurial training. These services are intended to improve the capacity of rural businesses and individuals to start, sustain, and grow their ventures. The program supports three funding types: loan-only, a combination of loan and technical assistance grant, and subsequent technical assistance grants awarded annually to current MDOs. In fiscal year 2026, approximately $21 million is available for awards. The anticipated award amounts are capped at $500,000 for loans and $100,000 for technical assistance grants. All grants require a cost share of at least 15 percent of the total grant amount, which may be met through matching funds, indirect costs, or in-kind goods or services. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and the Agency retains eligible but unfunded applications for up to four review cycles. MDOs applying for subsequent annual technical assistance grants must demonstrate ongoing compliance and report microloan balances through USDA’s LINC system. Eligible applicants must demonstrate capacity to provide training, technical assistance, and access to capital, or possess a viable plan to do so. Applicants must not be debarred or suspended from federal programs and must not have unresolved federal debt. All applications must comply with the requirements of 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. Faith-based organizations are eligible, provided they comply with applicable civil rights and nondiscrimination laws. Applications must be submitted to the appropriate RD State Office by email and follow the content and format outlined in 7 CFR 4280.315 and 4280.316. Applications missing required elements or submitted after deadlines will not be considered. For the FY 2026 cycle, four quarterly application deadlines are set: September 30, 2025; December 31, 2025; March 31, 2026; and June 30, 2026. Subsequent annual microlender technical assistance grant requests are due August 1, 2026. The Agency evaluates all complete and eligible applications based on criteria in 7 CFR 4280.316, with awards made in order of descending scores until funds are exhausted. Award notices are issued by RD State Offices, while unsuccessful applicants receive notification with an explanation. For additional guidance, applicants may contact Shamika Johnson at the USDA’s Program Management Division via [email protected] or phone (202) 720-1400. A comprehensive list of RD State Office contacts is also available through USDA’s website. All applicants must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) and maintain a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Compliance with all federal laws, including civil rights, environmental, and transparency regulations, is required. The RMAP underscores USDA’s commitment to fostering equitable economic opportunities in rural America.

Avoid missing scoring criteria to remain eligible; ensure complete application package; confirm match documentation before submission