USDA Rural Development Accepting Applications!

Rural Development is accepting applications for our Business and Cooperative Programs. This includes B&I Guarantees, Renewable Energy for America guaranteed loans and grants, Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG), Intermediary Relending Program (IRP), Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) and Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.

Many of the Notices of Funds Availability have not been issued yet; however, we would like you to have time to prepare your applications and work with us to ensure the applications are complete. The intent and eligibility criteria for our programs remain the same from year to year. The funding notices determine how much funding each program receives. For the programs referred above, we don’t have to wait for the funding notices to accept applications. Please visit our website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/MT_bcp.html for more information on how to apply.

In the past, we have had a short turnaround time for our Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program. This year we are accepting applications year round. Once we receive notice of our state allocation, we will establish a deadline for that program. Please take this opportunity to start working on your RBEGS so that we may help you with the application process to determine eligibility upfront and ensure your application is complete.

If you have any questions, please contact your Rural Development office.

Janelle Gustafson

Assistant to the State Director/

Acting Business & Cooperative Program Director

Rural Development

United States Department of Agriculture

Phone: (406) 585-2508 | Fax: (406) 585-2504

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov | "Committed to the future of rural communities"