Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
🏛 Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Can you apply?
This grant is for rural entrepreneurs and microenterprises looking to launch or expand small businesses in underserved rural areas. Applicants must operate or plan to operate a business in a rural location as defined by USDA. The business must be independently owned and operated with no more than a certain number of employees (typically 10). Activities include business training, technical assistance, mentoring, and counseling to help entrepreneurs succeed and create rural economic opportunities.
Eligible recipients include rural individuals starting or growing microenterprises. Organizations supporting these entrepreneurs, such as microlenders and technical assistance providers, may also apply. State and local government agencies can participate in partnerships. Tribal nations and tribal organizations are eligible to apply.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for rural entrepreneurs and microenterprises looking to launch or expand small businesses in underserved rural areas. Applicants must operate or plan to operate a business in a rural location as defined by USDA. The business must be independently owned and operated with no more than a certain number of employees (typically 10). Activities include business training, technical assistance, mentoring, and counseling to help entrepreneurs succeed and create rural economic opportunities.
Eligible recipients include rural individuals starting or growing microenterprises. Organizations supporting these entrepreneurs, such as microlenders and technical assistance providers, may also apply. State and local government agencies can participate in partnerships. Tribal nations and tribal organizations are eligible to apply.
Program description
Provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for rural entrepreneurs and microenterprises looking to launch or expand small businesses in underserved rural areas. Applicants must operate or plan to operate a business in a rural location as defined by USDA. The business must be independently owned and operated with no more than a certain number of employees (typically 10). Activities include business training, technical assistance, mentoring, and counseling to help entrepreneurs succeed and create rural economic opportunities.
Eligible recipients include rural individuals starting or growing microenterprises. Organizations supporting these entrepreneurs, such as microlenders and technical assistance providers, may also apply. State and local government agencies can participate in partnerships. Tribal nations and tribal organizations are eligible to apply.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capacity Statement
- Letters of Partnership/Support
- Resume(s) of key personnel
- IRS 501(c)(3) letter or corporate documentation
- Audit or financial statements
Program contact
- 👤 Arti Kshirsagar Business Loan and Grant Analyst
- 📧 Shamika.Johnson@usda.gov
- 📞 2027208684
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.870 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$340,812
-
$292,551
-
$289,324
-
$280,491
-
$249,418
-
$220,552
-
$214,408
-
$162,201
-
$159,556
-
$144,968
Top States by Funding
- ME 5 awards $1.0M
- KY 4 awards $0.9M
- CA 12 awards $0.8M
- NE 6 awards $0.5M
- MD 3 awards $0.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.870). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $8,443,414 | |
| 2025 | $9,506,974 | |
| 2026 est. | $9,500,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program?
Individual microentrepreneurs in rural areas and organizations providing technical assistance to them. Must operate businesses in USDA-designated rural communities.
What types of activities does this grant support?
Business training, mentoring, counseling, and technical assistance. Funds help entrepreneurs develop business plans and build management skills.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 30, 2026. Applications open February 26, 2026.
What makes a competitive application?
Strong demonstration of rural need, clear impact metrics, and evidence of capacity to serve microentrepreneurs. Partnerships with local organizations strengthen competitiveness.
What is the typical funding range?
This varies by competition cycle. Check the Federal Register notice for specific funding amounts and award maximums for this funding cycle.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a clear statement of the rural need you're addressing. Include data on job creation and business success in your target area.
- Document your organization's experience serving rural microentrepreneurs. Highlight past successes and lessons learned.
- Build strong partnerships with local lenders, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations.
- Detail how you'll measure success. Include metrics for business survival rates, job creation, and participant outcomes.
- Submit early to allow time for questions and revisions. USDA grants require careful compliance with federal documentation standards.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when they lack clear evidence of rural impact or don't define target microentrepreneur population clearly. Weak partnership letters or vague descriptions of technical assistance activities reduce competitiveness. Incomplete federal compliance documents or missing budget justifications often lead to rejection.
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