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Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program in Florida

open
The deadlines for completed applications to be received in the RD State Office for quarterly funding competitions are no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on: First Quarter, September 30, 2023 Second Quarter, December 31, 2023 Third Quarter, March 31, 2024 Fourth Quarter, June 30, 2024.


What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:
  • To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
  • Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.
 
Who may apply for this program?
The following are eligible to be a Microenterprise Development Organization:
  • Nonprofits.
  • Federally-recognized tribes.
  • Institutions of higher education.
The following are eligible to apply for a loan from the MDO as an ultimate recipient:
  • Businesses located in an eligible area with 10 or fewer full-time employees.
What is an eligible area?
  • Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.
  • The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area.
  • The lender may be located anywhere.
 
Are there other requirements?
Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:
  • Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
  • Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.
What kind of funding is available? 
  • Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $100,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
  • Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.
What are the loan terms?
  • Maximum term is 20 years.
  • Two-year payment deferral.
  • Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.
What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?
  • Up to $50,000.
  • Fixed interest rate.
  • Limited to 75 percent of project cost.
How may the funds be used?
Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:
  • Working capital.
  • Debt refinancing.
  • Purchasing equipment and supplies.
  • Improving real estate.
How do we get started?
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Please contact your local state office for additional information and to apply for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program.
 
Who can answer questions?
Contact your local office.
 
What law governs this program?
  • Code of Federal Regulations, 7 CFR 4280, subpart D.
  • This program is authorized by Section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 USC 2008s).
Why does USDA Rural Development do this?
Rural Development undertakes this program in order to support the development and ongoing success of rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises.
 
NOTE: Because citations and other information may be subject to change, please always consult the program instructions listed in the section above titled “What law governs this program?” You may also contact your local office for assistance.

NOTE: If state-specific forms are not shown above, please ensure that your state is selected in the dropdown menu above to find the State Office contact information and speak to a Business Programs Specialist before attempting to fill out any forms or applications. This will save you valuable time in your application.

RBCS How-To Apply Video Series for Applicants

You may also access the Code of Federal Regulations, 7 CFR 4280, subpart D.

There are no other additional requirements at the national level. If there are additional state-specific requirements they will be listed above.

Most loans and grants are originated and/or serviced in the Area Office. Please contact the Area Office that services your County or Town. See our: Florida County Map. Please contact the USVI St. Croix Office for all of the USVI.

 

CRESTVIEW AREA OFFICE
Jeffrey Archer, Area Director
3070 Adora Teal Way, Suite C, Crestview, FL 32539
Work phone: 850-682-2416
Business cell: 850-333-2031
Fax: 855-473-8755
Counties served: Escambia, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton.

MARIANNA AREA OFFICE
Loria Phillips, Area Director
2741 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 5, Marianna, FL 32448
Work phone: 850-526-2610
Business cell: 850-317-6572
Fax: 855-474-6969
Counties served: Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Wakulla and Washington.

LAKE CITY AREA OFFICE
Bruni Robles, Area Director
971 W Duval St, Suite 190, Lake City, FL 32055
Work phone: 386-719-5590
Business cell: 386-365-9576
Fax: 855-474-6983
Counties served: Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Nassau, Suwannee, St. Johns, Taylor and Union.

OCALA AREA OFFICE
Stephanie Hodges, Area Director
2441 NE 3rd Street, Suite 204-1, Ocala, FL 34470
Work phone: 352-732-7534
Business cell: 352-843-0042
Fax: 855-474-6990
Counties served: Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Flagler, Gilchrist, Lake, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia.

CHAMPIONS GATE AREA OFFICE
Angela Smith, Area Director 
8390 Champions Gate Blvd, Suite 210, Champions Gate, FL 33896
Work phone: 863-420-4833
Fax: 855-474-8230
Counties served: Brevard, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian River, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk.

ROYAL PALM BEACH AREA OFFICE **(see Sub Office information)
Ada Rivera, Area Director 
420 South State Road 7, Suite 166, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33414
Work phone: 561-792-2727
Fax: 855-475-4827

**N. Ft. Myers (Sub Office of Royal Palm Beach)
Ada Rivera, Area Director 
3434 Hancock Bridge Pkwy., Suite 209-A, N. Ft. Myers, FL 33903
Work phone: 239-997-7331
Fax: 855-475-8043
Counties served from Royal Palm Beach and North Fort Myers: Broward, Dade, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, Manatee and Sarasota.

ST. CROIX U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AREA OFFICE
Kimme Bryce, Area Director
4401 Sion Farm, Ste. #2, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820
Work phone: 340-773-9146
Business cell: 340-201-4211
Fax: 855-475-6940
Locations served: St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.