USDA Rural Development’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program or RMAP, encourages the development, whether by start-up or expansion, of small businesses in rural areas. Applications are now being accepted, with the next quarterly funding review scheduled for September 30, 2016.
RMAP loans made to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) offer micro businesses opportunities for working capital, debt refinancing, equipment, supplies, real estate and other necessary business assets. Grant funds awarded to MDOs support guidance and education for self-employment and micro business development.
Eligible applicants for the RMAP are non-profits, Indian tribes, or public institutions of higher education. Recipients of RMAP funds establish revolving loan funds and provide business based training and technical assistance to support rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises. The revolving loan fund gets its name from the revolving aspect of loan repayment, where the central fund is replenished as individual projects pay back their loans, creating the opportunity to issue other loans to new projects.
Since 2009 grant funds awarded in South Dakota have provided technical assistance and business based training to microentrepreneurs and ultimate recipients. Morgan Lawrence was one of the ultimate recipients that benefitted from a Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Loan that was made to Four Bands Community Fund, Inc. Morgan obtained a business loan from Four Bands to start up Morgan Joy’s Vanity, a beauty shop that offers full-service hair care, facials and manicures. Morgan says “After opening my own business, my life changed for the good.” Not only is her business a success, she is now a respected business owner and is making a positive impact in Eagle Butte, the community where she grew up.
To determine applicant eligibility, receive an application template or learn more about this program, eligible applicants are encouraged to contact a local Business & Cooperative Program Specialist or the State Office for more details about the application requirements and process:
Dana Kleinsasser, Rural Business & Cooperative Programs Director (Huron State Office)
Phone: (605) 352-1142
Email: dana.kleinsasser@sd.usda.gov
Cayla Hilbrands, Assistant (Huron State Office)
Phone: (605) 352-1142
Email: cayla.hilbrands@sd.usda.gov
Shelby Kraemer, Assistant (Aberdeen)
Phone: (605) 226-3360, Ext. 4
Email: shelby.kraemer@sd.usda.gov
Gary Wedel, Specialist (Mitchell)
Phone: (605) 996-1564, Ext. 105
Email: gary.wedel@sd.usda.gov
Clark Guthmiller, Specialist (Pierre)
Phone: (605) 224-8870, Ext. 120
Email: clark.guthmiller@sd.usda.gov
Hettianne Cekalla, Specialist (Rapid City)
Phone: (605) 342-0301, Ext. 118
Email: hettianne.cekalla@sd.usda.gov
Jolene Pravecek, Specialist (Yankton)
Phone: (605) 665-2662, Ext. 116
Email: jolene.pravecek@sd.usda.gov
Applications may be submitted at any time and are reviewed quarterly for funding consideration (September 30, December 31, March 31 and June 30).