Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program: $3.2 Million Available Through June 30, 2026

The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service is accepting applications for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. This program provides funding to organizations that help rural microbusinesses through loans, training, and technical assistance. Total program funding is $3.2 million, with awards up to $100,000.

What It Covers

The program supports Microenterprise Development Organizations that work directly with rural entrepreneurs and very small businesses. Funds can be used to help those organizations provide microloans, business training, and technical assistance to eligible borrowers and microentrepreneurs.

• Training for microloan borrowers and rural microentrepreneurs
• Technical assistance delivered through Microenterprise Development Organizations
• Support tied to rural small-scale business development
• Microenterprise lending and related development services

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants are limited to domestic organizations that serve as Microenterprise Development Organizations.

• Nonprofit entities
• Indian Tribes
• Public institutions of higher education
• Applicants must operate as eligible domestic organizations under USDA program rules

How to Apply

• Final Deadline: June 30, 2026
• Quarterly Windows: September 30, 2025; December 31, 2025; March 31, 2026; June 30, 2026
• Funding: $3,200,000 total
• Award Maximum: $100,000
• Expected Awards: 20
• Apply: View the Grants.gov opportunity details
• Program Fact Sheet: Read the USDA fact sheet

Why This Matters

This is a practical USDA funding program for organizations that already support rural entrepreneurs. It is specific, still open, and includes a clear funding cap, eligibility rules, and application path.

Source: Simpler.Grants.gov — Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program