Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Deadlines Set

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for its Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. The deadline for applications is March 31, with an additional cycle deadline of June 30.

The program offers loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations to provide microloans for microenterprise startups and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund and/or provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

According to the USDA website, this grant could also help fund a tourism startup.

The following are eligible to be an MDO: nonprofits, federally recognized Tribes, institutions of higher education, businesses located in an eligible area with 10 or fewer full-time employees.

For more information, visit rd.usda.gov/programs-services/ business-programs/ rural-microentrepreneur-assistance- program.