Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service of the USDA is offering the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) for Fiscal Year 2026, which provides approximately $21 million in loans and grants to support rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises. The program aims to assist Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) in delivering training, technical assistance, and microloans, with eligible applicants including domestic non-profit entities, Indian Tribes, and public institutions of higher education. This funding is crucial for fostering economic development in rural areas by empowering microentrepreneurs, and applicants must adhere to specific eligibility criteria, including a 15% cost-share and active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). Key deadlines for applications are set for September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30 of 2026, with additional annual technical assistance grant applications due by August 1, 2026. For further information, interested parties can contact Shamika Johnson at Shamika.Johnson@usda.gov.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are domestic organizations that are non-profit entities, Indian Tribes (25 U.S.C. 5304(e)) or public institutions of higher education