Business Program Loans and Grants

Promoting a dynamic business environment in rural America is the goal of Rural Development, Business and Cooperative Programs (BCP), Business Programs (BP). BP works in partnership with the private sector and the community-based organizations to provide financial assistance and business planning. BP helps fund projects that create or preserve quality jobs and/or promote a clean rural environment. The financial resources of BP are often leveraged with those of other public and private credit source lenders to meet business and credit needs in under-served areas. Recipients of these programs may include individuals, corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, public bodies, nonprofit corporations, Indian tribes, and private companies.

All USDA Rural Development mission area programs, including Business Programs, are administered by Rural Development field staff.

For information on each specific program follow the respective link below:

• Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan (B&I) Program

The purpose of the B and I Guaranteed Loan Program is to improve, develop, or finance business, industry, and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities.

• Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)

The purpose of the RMAP program is to support the development and ongoing success of rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises. Direct loans and grants are made to selected Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs).

• Intermediary Relending Program (IRP)

The purpose of the IRP program is to alleviate poverty and increase economic activity and employment in rural communities. Under the IRP program, loans are provided to local organizations (intermediaries) for the establishment of revolving loan funds. These revolving loan funds are used to assist with financing business and economic development activity to create or retain jobs in disadvantaged and remote communities.

• Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program (RBEG)

The RBEG program provides grants for rural projects that finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses help fund distance learning networks, and help fund employment related adult education programs.

• Biorefinery Assistance Program Biorefinery Assistance Loan Guarantees (Section 9003)

The purpose of this section is to assist in the development of new and emerging technologies for the development of advanced biofuels.

• Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels Payments to Advanced Biofuel Producers (Section 9005)

The purpose of this section is to support and ensure an expanding production of Advanced Biofuels by providing payments to Eligible Advanced Biofuel Producers in rural areas.

• Repowering Assistance Program (Section 9004)

This Notice announces the intention of the USDA to make payments to eligible biorefineries to encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement fuel source for fossil fuels used to provide process heat or power in the operation of these eligible biorefineries. This program is authorized under Title IX, Section 9001, of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-246).

• Rural Energy for America Program Grants/Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assist (REAP/EA/REDA)(Section 9007)

The REAP/EA/REDA Grant Program will provide grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance.

• Rural Energy For America Program Grants/Renewable Energy Systems/Energy Efficiency Improvement Program (REAP/RES/EEI)(Section 9007)

The REAP/RES/EEI Grants Program provides grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. It also provides funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.

• Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG)

The REDLG program provides funding to rural projects through local utility organizations. Under the REDLoan program, USDA provides zero interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas.

• Rural Energy For America Program Grants (REAP Feasibility Study Grants)(Section 9007)

The REAP/Feasibility Grant Program provides grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. It also provides funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to conduct feasibility study for a renewable energy system.

• Rural Energy for America Program Guaranteed Loan Program (REAP Loans)(Section 9007)

The REAP Guaranteed Loan Program encourages the commercial financing of renewable energy (bioenergy, geothermal, hydrogen, solar, wind and hydro power) and energy efficiency projects. Under the program, project developers will work with local lenders, who in turn can apply to USDA Rural Development for a loan guarantee up to 85 percent of the loan amount.