Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program

Background
The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) is administered by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program aims to support the development and ongoing success of rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises by providing loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) for training and technical assistance.

The funding opportunity for fiscal year 2026 is approximately $21 million, intended to facilitate access to capital and enhance entrepreneurship in rural areas.

Grant Details
RMAP provides various types of support including:
1) Loans only;
2) Combination loans and technical assistance grants;
3) Subsequent technical assistance grants to MDOs.

Loan funds are utilized by MDOs to establish or recapitalize revolving loan programs for microloans to rural microentrepreneurs. Grant funds are designated for providing technical assistance and entrepreneurship training to rural individuals and businesses. The annual microlender technical assistance grant will be awarded non-competitively based on the microlender’s activity, with a maximum loan amount of $500,000 and a maximum grant amount of $100,000. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria outlined in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include domestic organizations that are non-profit entities, Indian Tribes, or public institutions of higher education. Applicants must provide training and technical assistance, make microloans, or have a plan to deliver such services. They must not be debarred or suspended from USDA programs, nor delinquent on federal debt. A cost share requirement mandates that MDOs provide a match of at least 15% of the total grant amount.

Period of Performance
The performance period for subsequent annual microlender technical assistance grants is from September 30, 2026, to June 30, 2026. Applications for quarterly funding competitions must be submitted by September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30 of the respective quarters in FY 2026.

Grant Value
The total value available for RMAP in FY 2026 is approximately $21 million. Individual grant awards can reach up to $100,000 per MDO.

Place of Performance
The geographic location for performance is implied to be within rural areas served by the USDA.