Rural Business Investment Program

RBIP or RBIC Program
CFDA 10.860 Active Other Non-Financial Assistance
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Program Objective

To promote economic development and create wealth and job opportunities among individuals living in rural areas and help to meet the equity capital investment needs primarily of smaller enterprises located in such areas.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Not-for-Profit Organization
  • For-Profit Organization
  • Small Business Person

An applicant is eligible to apply for an RBIC license if it meets the criteria in Subpart C of 7 CFR part 4290, which include but are not limited to: (1) the company is a newly formed for-profit entity or a newly formed for-profit subsidiary of such an entity; (2) the company has a qualified management team with experience in community development financing or relevant venture capital financing; and (3) the company will invest in enterprises that will create wealth and job opportunities in rural areas, with an emphasis on smaller enterprises.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Applicants for RBIC designation will be selected for approval as an RBIC. Selected applicants then will have a certain period of time, specified by USDA but no more than 2 years, to raise its private capital. Those selected applicants that raise such resources by the applicable deadline and that meet other conditions established by USDA will receive a certification to operate as an RBIC.

Program details & compliance

Description

This program provides a Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) license to newly formed developmental capital organizations to help meet the equity capital investment needs in rural communities.

Mission Categories

Primary: Small Business

Other categories:
Economic Development

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

USDA certifies newly formed for-profit entities as Rural Business Investment Company's (RBIC)s . Recipients use funds from private investors to make equity capital investments mostly in smaller enterprises located primarily in rural areas.

Required Documentation

Evidence of legal capacity, economic feasibility and financial responsibility relative to the activity for which assistance is requested.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

David Chesnick
2026900433
1400 Independence Ave. S.W. Room 5807-S, STOP-3225, Washington, DC 20250
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-04. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:35:15.