We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.
The grant program is designed to support the startup and growth of microenterprises through financial assistance and training. Specifically, it offers loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) with the aims of: establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund to aid microenterprises in their startup and growth phases; providing training and technical support to microloan borrowers and entrepreneurs. MDOs applying for this funding are required to have experience managing Revolving Loan Funds or must have undergone specific training to ensure capability in managing such funds. Additionally, eligibility criteria include demonstrating active and successful participation as an intermediary lender in good standing under programs like the U.S. SBA Microloan Program. The funding mainly targets technical assistance for rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, offering up to $205,000 annually, subject to matching funds requirements.