Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program - Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island

From USDA: Rural Development (RD)

We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.

Type of Support

Overview

This grant program is designed to support Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) by offering loans and grants. The overarching goal is to assist microenterprises with startup and growth initiatives, facilitated through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund. Additionally, the program provides training and technical assistance to both microloan borrowers and micro-entrepreneurs. Specific criteria for MDOs involve demonstrating experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund or showing evidence of requisite training and successful participation as an intermediary lender, particularly within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or similar initiatives. Funding, up to $205,000 annually, aims to support technical assistance for rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, albeit requiring a 15 percent match in funds from the applicants to qualify.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
CT, MA, RI
Organization Type
Nonprofits
Federally-recognized tribes
Institutions of higher education
Other
  • Eligible area: rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents
  • The borrower's headquarters can be based within a larger city if the project service area is in an eligible rural area
  • Lender may be located anywhere
  • Businesses located in an eligible area, with 10 or fewer full-time employees, can apply for a loan

Ineligibility

Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more
up to 500k

Submission

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