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USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDLG) quarterly application deadlines September 30, December 31 and March 31

Promote economic development and job creation projects through loans and grants. Eligible Applicants or Intermediaries are 1) RUS borrowers that have repaid or prepaid an insured, direct or guaranteed loan under the Rural Electrification Act (REA), 2) any non-profit utility that is eligible to receive an insured or direct loan under such Act, and 3) any borrower under such Act. Loan funds from RD become Intermediary loan funds to Eligible Ultimate Recipients such as 1) For Profit, 2) Not-for-Profit, or 3) Public Bodies. Eligible loan costs include 1) start-up venture costs, 2) business expansion, 3) business incubators, 4) technical assistance, 5) project feasibility studies, 6) advanced telecommunications services and computer networks for medical, educational and job training, or 7) Community Facility projects. Grant funds from RD establish an Intermediary revolving loan fund for Eligible Ultimate Recipients such as 1) Non-Profit Entities, 2) Public Bodies, 3) Federally-Recognized Indian Tribes, and 4) in some cases For-Profit Entities. Eligible costs include 1) Community Development or Community Facility projects, 2) facilities and equipment for medical care/training, 3) business incubators, 4) technical assistance, 5) project feasibility studies, and 6) advanced telecommunications services and computer networks for medical, educational and job training.

USDA Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) quarterly application deadlines September 30, December 31 and March 31

Alleviate poverty and increase economic activity and employment in rural communities through a revolving loan fund. Eligible applicants include 1) Indian groups, 2) Private Nonprofit Corporations, 3) Public Agencies, and 4) Cooperatives. Intermediary loan terms 1) $750,000 or the maximum amount the Intermediary can reasonably be expected to lend within one year, 2) 30 years, 3) 1% interest, 3 year principal deferral-interest only payments. Eligible ultimate recipients for IRP revolving loan funds are 1) Individuals, 2) Public or private organizations or 3) other legal entities with the authority to incur the debt and carry out the purpose of the loan. Focus on loans to ultimate recipients for 1) business facilities and community development, 2) establishment of new businesses, 3) expansion of existing businesses, 4) creation of employment opportunities or saving existing jobs, 5) feasibility studies.

USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) 2010 application deadlines September 30 and December 31

Support the development and ongoing success of rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises, through direct loans to establish a revolving loan fund, technical assistance grants for education, guidance or instruction in partnership with the establishment of a revolving loan fund or technical assistance-only grants. Eligible applicants are Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDO) defined as an organization that is 1) a non-profit entity, 2) an Indian tribe, or 3) a public institution of higher education; that provides training and technical assistance and/or makes microloans or facilitates access to capital or another related service and/or has a demonstrated record of delivering, or an effective plan to develop a program to deliver such services. Eligible ultimate recipients for RMAP revolving loan funds or technical assistance are rural 1) microentrepreneurs (an owner and operator, or prospective owner and operator unable to obtain sufficient training, technical assistance, or credit other than under this program) and 2) microenterprises (a sole proprietorship, or a business entity with not more than 10 full-time equivalent employees in need of $50,000 or less in business capital and/or in need of business based technical assistance and training, Business types may also include agricultural producers provided they meet the stipulations in the definition. Microloans for qualified business activities and expenses include 1) working capital, 2) furniture, fixtures, supplies, inventory or equipment, 3) debt refinancing, 4) business acquisitions, and 5) purchase or lease of real estate that is already improved, no demolition or construction will be accomplished with RMAP funding.

Contact your USDA office within your state with any questions and/or visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.