Rural Microentrepreneur Program(RMAP)

FY2026 RMAP Loan Notice for Applicants

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
(RMAP)
Fiscal Year 2026
Notice of Funding Opportunity
Funding Opportunity Number: RD-RBCS-26-RMAP
Publication Date: February 25, 2026
Application Due Date: Quarterly - First Quarter, September 30, 2025; Second
Quarter, December 31, 2025; Third Quarter, March 31, 2026, and Fourth Quarter,
June 30, 2026.

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BASIC INFORMATION
Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) for Fiscal Year 2026
Funding Opportunity Number: RD-RBCS-26-RMAP
Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Assistance Listing Number: 10.870
Dates:
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, 2025; Second
Quarter, December 31, 2025; Third Quarter, March 31, 2026, and Fourth Quarter, June 30, 2026. If the
due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day.
Applications received after the deadline are not eligible for funding under this notice and will not be
evaluated.
The annual microlender technical assistance grant (for existing Microenterprise Development
Organizations (MDOs) with a microentrepreneur revolving loan fund) will be made, non-competitively,
based on the microlender’s microlending activity and availability of funds. To determine the microlender
technical assistance grant awards for FY2026, if available, the Agency will use the microlender’s
outstanding balance of microloans as of June 30, 2026, to calculate the eligible grant amount. MDOs
that are in compliance with the terms of their loan agreement may apply for this annual grant. The
deadline for requesting a technical assistance grant is no later than 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on August
1, 2026.
Executive Summary:
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency), an agency of the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development (RD), is making an initial announcement to invite
applications for loans and grants under the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) for
fiscal year (FY) 2026. This notice is being issued to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing,
prepare and submit their applications, and give the Agency time to process applications within FY 2026.
Funding for FY 2026 is approximately $21 million. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency
for funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made available
through appropriations. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their
applications or any costs incurred prior to the date of obligation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Basic Information.................................................................................................................................... 2
1.0 Program Description .................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS) - Key Priorities ........................................................... 3
1.2 Purpose of the Program ............................................................................................................... 3

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1.3 Statutory and Regulatory Authority.............................................................................................. 4
1.4 Definitions ................................................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Application of Awards .................................................................................................................. 4
2.0 Federal Award Information ........................................................................................................ 4
3.0 Eligibility Information ................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Eligible Applicants ........................................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Cost Sharing or Matching ............................................................................................................. 5
3.3 Other Eligibility Requirements...................................................................................................... 5
4.0 Application and Submission Information ................................................................................... 5
4.1 Address to Request Application Package ...................................................................................... 5
4.2 Content and Form of Application Submission ............................................................................... 6
4.3 System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier ....................................................... 6
4.4 Submission Dates and Times ........................................................................................................ 7
4.5 Intergovernmental Review ........................................................................................................... 7
4.6 Funding Restrictions .................................................................................................................... 7
4.7 Other Submission Requirements .................................................................................................. 7
5.0 Application Review Information................................................................................................. 7
5.1 Criteria......................................................................................................................................... 8
6.0 Federal Award Administration Information ............................................................................... 8
6.1 Federal Award Notices ................................................................................................................. 8
6.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements ........................................................................ 8
6.3 Reporting ..................................................................................................................................... 9
7.0 Federal Award Agency Contacts ................................................................................................. 9
8.0 Other Information ...................................................................................................................... 9
8.1 Paperwork Reduction Act ............................................................................................................. 9
8.2 National Environmental Policy Act ............................................................................................... 9
8.3 Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act.................................................................. 9
8.4 Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations. ............................................................................ 9
8.5 Nondiscrimination Statement .................................................................................................... 10
1.0 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
1.1 Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS) - Key Priorities
The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance RBCS Key Priorities
including strengthening program integrity including the prevention and reduction of fraud, waste, and
abuse.
1.2 Purpose of the Program
The purpose of RMAP is to support the development and ongoing success of rural
microentrepreneurs and microenterprises, each as defined in 7 CFR 4280.302. RMAP provides the
following types of support: loan only, combination loan and technical assistance grant, and subsequent

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technical assistance grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs). Loan funds are used
by the MDO to establish or recapitalize a revolving loan program for making microloans to a rural
microentrepreneur business. Grant funds are used by the MDO to provide technical assistance and
entrepreneurship training to rural individuals and businesses.
1.3 Statutory and Regulatory Authority
RMAP is authorized by Section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (Pub. L.
87-128), as amended, and is codified as 7 U.S.C. 2008s and implemented by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D.
1.4 Definitions
The definitions applicable to this notice are published at 7 CFR 4280.302
1.5 Application of Awards
The Agency will review, evaluate, and score applications received in response to this notice based on
the provisions found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D and as indicated in this notice. Awards under RMAP
will be made using the application scoring criteria contained in 7 CFR 4280.316 and this notice. The
Agency advises all interested parties that the applicant bears the burden in preparing and submitting an
application in response to this notice regardless of whether or not funding is appropriated for this
program in FY 2026.
2.0 FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
Type of Awards: Loans and/or Grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2026
Available Funds: Approximately $21 million. RBCS may, at its discretion, increase the total level of
funding available in this funding round from any available source provided the awards meet the
requirements of the statute which made the funding available to the Agency.
Award Amounts: The Agency anticipates the following maximum amounts per award:
Loans - $500,000; Grants - $100,000.
Anticipated Award Date:
(a) Regular Funding: First Quarter-September 30, 2025, Second Quarter- December 31, 2025, Third
Quarter- March 31, 2026, Fourth Quarter- June 30, 2026.
(b) Subsequent Annual Microlender Technical Assistance Grants: August 15, 2026
Performance Period: Subsequent Annual Microlender Technical Assistance Grants September 30, 2026,
to June 30, 2026
Renewal or Supplemental Awards: Unless withdrawn by the applicant, completed applications that
receive a score of at least 60 (7 CFR 4280.310(c)), but have not yet been funded, will be retained by the
Agency for consideration in subsequent reviews through a total of four consecutive quarterly reviews.

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Applications that remain unfunded after four quarterly reviews, including the initial quarter in which the
application was completed, will not be considered further for an award.
Type of Assistance Instrument: Direct Loan, Financial Assistance Agreement
3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
3.1 Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are domestic organizations that are non-profit entities, Indian Tribes (25 U.S.C.
5304(e)) or public institutions of higher education. Eligible applicants must provide training and
technical assistance, make microloans, facilitate access to capital, or have an effective plan or program
to deliver such services. The applicant must meet the eligibility requirements in 7 CFR 4280.310. All
other restrictions in this notice will apply.
The applicant and its principals must not be debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from
participation in USDA programs, in accordance with 2 CFR parts 180 and 417. The applicant must not be
delinquent on any federal debt, nor have any outstanding judgment obtained by the U.S. in a Federal
court. Upon receipt of application, prior to award, and prior to disbursement of federal funds, the
agency will screen the applicant and its principals through the Do Not Pay System, as required by 31
U.S.C. § 3354, to verify eligibility with respect to debarment, suspension, and any unresolved federal
debts. Applicants are responsible for resolving any issues identified in the Do Not Pay System; if such
issues are not resolved by the deadlines specified in this notice, the agency may proceed to award funds
to other eligible applicants. Applicants are responsible for compliance with all applicable regulations,
including 2 CFR parts 180 and 417.
3.2 Cost Sharing or Matching
The cost share requirement shall be met by the microlender in accordance with the requirements
specified in 7 CFR 4280.311(d).The MDO is required to provide a match of not less than 15 percent of
the total amount of the grant in the form of matching funds, indirect costs, or in-kind goods or services.
3.3 Other Eligibility Requirements
Applications will only be accepted from eligible MDOs. Applications will not be considered for
funding if they do not provide sufficient information to determine eligibility or are otherwise not
suitable for evaluation. Such applications will be withdrawn and not considered for funding.
4.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
4.1 Address to Request Application Package
Applications must be submitted electronically to the RD State Office in the State where the project is
located. Applicants are encouraged to contact their respective RD State Office for an email contact to
submit an electronic application prior to the submission deadline date(s). A list of the RD State Office
contacts can be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/offices/state-offices.

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An MDO may submit an initial application for a loan with a microlender technical assistance grant, or
an initial or subsequent loan-only (without a microlender technical assistance grant). Loan applications
must be submitted electronically to the RD State Office where the project is located and must be
organized in the same order set forth in 7 CFR 4280.315. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact
their respective RD State Office for an email contact to submit an electronic application prior to the
submission deadline date(s).
4.2 Content and Form of Application Submission
Content and Form of Application Submission: An application must contain all of the required elements
outlined in 7 CFR 4280.315, and in this notice. Each application must address the applicable scoring
criteria presented in 7 CFR 4280.316, for the type of funding being requested.
For entities applying for program loan funds to become an RMAP microlender only, the following
items are also required: (1) Form RD 1910-11, “Applicant Certification Federal Collection Policies for
Consumer or Commercial Debts;” available at
forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RD1910-11.PDF; (2) Demonstration that the
applicant is eligible to apply to participate in this program; and (3) Certification by the applicant that it
cannot obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to fund the activities called for under this program with similar
rates and terms.
Current MDO entities may be eligible for subsequent annual microlender technical assistance grants
that are awarded subject to funding availability and determined non-competitively based on Agency
appropriations for the fiscal year. The MDO must submit a prescribed worksheet, listing the outstanding
balance of their microloans and unexpended grant funds as of June 30, 2026, and a letter certifying that
their organization still meets all the requirements set forth in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D and that no
significant changes have occurred within the last year that would affect its ability to carry out the MDO
functions. In addition, all MDOs who request Subsequent Annual Microlender Technical Assistance
Grants must complete their reporting into the Lenders Interactive Network Connection (LINC) for the
Federal fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2026 which will verify the outstanding balance of their microloans
as stated in their request for grant funds. The deadline for reporting into LINC and requesting a technical
assistance grant is no later than 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on August 1, 2026.
4.3 System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier
(a) At the time of application, each applicant must have an active registration in the System for
Award Management (SAM) before submitting its application in accordance with, 2 CFR part 25. In order
to register in SAM, entities will be required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Instructions for
obtaining the UEI are available at https://sam.gov/entity-registration.
(b) Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration, with current, accurate and complete
information, at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under
consideration by a Federal awarding agency.
(c) Applicant must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance General Certifications and
Representations in SAM.

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(d) Applicants must provide a valid UEI in its application, unless determined exempt under 2 CFR
25.110.
(e) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has complied with all SAM requirements
including providing the UEI. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the
Agency is ready to make an award, the Agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to
receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another
applicant.
4.4 Submission Dates and Times
Competitions for the available funds will be made quarterly for applications that are received no
later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on: First Quarter, September 30, 2025; Second Quarter, December
31, 2025; Third Quarter, March 31, 2026; and Fourth Quarter, June 30, 2026. The deadline for
requesting a technical assistant grant is no later than 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on August 1, 2026.
Applications must be received by the RD State Office by the dates and times as indicated above to
compete for available funds in that fiscal quarter. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal
holiday, the application is due the next business day.
The Agency will not solicit or consider new scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after
the application deadline. RBCS also reserves the right to ask applicants for clarifying information and
additional verification of assertions in the application.
4.5 Intergovernmental Review
Executive Order (EO) 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” applies to this
program. This EO requires that Federal agencies provide opportunities for consultation on proposed
assistance with State and local governments. Many states have established a Single Point of Contact
(SPOC) to facilitate this consultation. For a list of states that maintain a SPOC, please see the USDA
website: usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-
financial-assistance-policy/intergovernmental-review. If your state has a SPOC, you may submit a copy
of the application directly for review. Any comments obtained through the SPOC must be provided to
your RD State Office for consideration as part of your application. If your state has not established a
SPOC, you may submit your application directly to the Agency. Applications from Federally recognized
Indian Tribes are not subject to this requirement.
4.6 Funding Restrictions
No funds made available under this notice shall be used for ineligible purposes outlined in 7 CFR
4280.313(e).
4.7 Other Submission Requirements
All applications must be submitted as a complete application, in one package.
5.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

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5.1 Criteria
All eligible and complete applications for new loan and grant funds will be evaluated and scored
based on the selection criteria and weights contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. Failure to address
any one of the criteria by the application deadline will result in the application being determined
ineligible and the application will not be considered for funding. An application must receive at least 60
points out of 100 possible points in the scoring criteria stated in 7 CFR 4280.316, to be considered for
funding in the quarter in which it is scored.
Review and Selection Process. The RD State Offices will review applications to determine if they are
eligible for assistance based on requirements contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. If determined
eligible, the application will be submitted to the National Office, where it will be reviewed and
prioritized by ranking each application received in that quarter, from highest to lowest score order. All
applications will be funded from the highest to lowest score until funds have been exhausted for each
funding cycle. Funding of projects is subject to the MDO’s satisfactory submission of the additional items
required by that subpart and the USDA RD Letter of Conditions.
6.0 FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
6.1 Federal Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive notification for funding from the RD State Office. Applicants must
comply with all applicable statutes and regulations before the award will be approved. Provided the
application and eligibility requirements have not changed, an application not selected will be
reconsidered for three subsequent funding competitions for a total of four competitions. If an
application is withdrawn, it can be resubmitted and will be evaluated as a new application. Unsuccessful
applications will receive notification by mail, detailing why the application was unsuccessful.
6.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements
(a) General. Additional requirements that apply to MDOs selected for this program can be found in 7
CFR part 4280, subpart D. The USDA and the Agency have adopted the USDA grant regulations at 2 CFR
chapter IV. This regulation incorporates the latest revisions to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) regulations, 2 CFR part 200, and 2 CFR part 400 for monitoring and servicing RMAP funding.
(b) Civil Rights. All awards of Federal financial assistance made under this notice are subject to
applicable civil rights laws, which may include Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title
IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1973, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.
(c) Geospatial Data. Awardee, and any and all contracts entered into by the awardee with respect to
the award, shall ensure that geospatial data required to be collected and provided to the agency,
conforms with the requirements of USDA Department Regulation DR-3465-001 and the Geospatial
Metadata Standards set forth in DM 3465-001, which can be obtained online at usda.gov/directives/dr-
3465-001.

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6.3 Reporting
In addition to any reports required by 2 CFR part 200, and 2 CFR part 400, the MDO must provide
reports as required by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D.
Intermediaries must collect and maintain data provided by Ultimate Recipients defined by 7 CFR
4280.3 on race, sex, and national origin and must also ensure that Ultimate Recipients collect and
maintain this data. Race and ethnicity data will be collected in accordance with OMB Federal Register
notice, “Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity” (62 FR
58782), October 30, 1997. Sex data will be collected in accordance with Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972. These items should not be submitted with the application but should be available
upon request by the Agency.
7.0 FEDERAL AWARD AGENCY CONTACTS
Shamika Johnson, Program Management Division, Business Programs, RBCS, USDA, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Mail Stop 3226, Room 5160-S, Washington, D.C. 20250-3226, or call (202) 720-1400. For
further information on this notice, please contact the RD State Office in the State where the project is
located. A list of RD State Office contacts is provided at the following link: rd.usda.gov/about-
rd/offices/state-offices.
8.0 OTHER INFORMATION
8.1 Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the information
collection requirements associated with RMAP, as covered in this notice, have been approved by OMB
under OMB Control Number 0570–0062.
8.2 National Environmental Policy Act
All recipients under this notice are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 1b. RBCS will review
each grant application to determine its compliance with 7 CFR part 1b. The applicant may be asked to
provide additional information or documentation to assist RBCS with this determination.
8.3 Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
All applicants, in accordance with, 2 CFR part 25, must be registered in SAM and have a UEI number
as stated in Section 4.3 of this notice.
8.4 Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations.
(a) Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization,
as set forth at, and subject to the protections and requirements of, this part and any applicable
constitutional and statutory requirements, including 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq. USDA will not, in the
selection of recipients, discriminate for or against an organization on the basis of the organization's
religious character, motives, or affiliation, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be
considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.

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(b) A faith-based organization that participates in this program will retain its independence from the
Government and may continue to carry out its mission consistent with religious freedom and conscience
protections in Federal law. Religious accommodation may also be sought under many of these religious
freedom and conscience protection laws.
(c) A faith-based organization may not use direct Federal financial assistance from USDA to support
or engage in any explicitly religious activities except when consistent with the Establishment Clause of
the First Amendment and any other applicable requirements. An organization receiving Federal financial
assistance also may not, in providing services funded by USDA, or in their outreach activities related to
such services, discriminate against a program beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the
basis of religion, a religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to attend or participate
in a religious practice.
8.5 Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights laws and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA,
its Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering
USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program,
political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity
conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program
information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the responsible
Mission Area, agency, or staff office or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at
711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than
English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at usda.gov/about-
usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-assistant-secretary-civil-rights/how-file-program-
discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the
letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866)
632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(a) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
(b) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(c) Email: program.intake@usda.gov
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.