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Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program.

RMAP funds eligible Microenterprise Development Organizations that make rural microloans and provide training to very small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Offered byUSDA Rural Business-Cooperative Serviceverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

A Chester entrepreneur must work through a participating MDO serving Randolph County. The MDO, not the business, applies to USDA for loan and grant support and sets the business-level loan terms.

Best for: Rural microbusinesses needing modest financing plus hands-on technical assistance.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Eligible nonprofit, tribal, and higher-education Microenterprise Development Organizations as direct applicants
  • Rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises as borrowers or technical-assistance clients through an MDO

Applicants excluded by the source

  • Microbusinesses applying directly to USDA
  • Businesses outside a participating MDO's service area or program rules

Eligible uses

  • MDO revolving microloan funds
  • Training and technical assistance
  • Microenterprise startup and growth
  • Equipment, supplies, real-estate improvements, and eligible refinancing through local microloans

Uses excluded by the source

  • Direct USDA grants to individual businesses
  • Uses excluded by the MDO or federal regulation

Application

How to start.

  1. Ask USDA Rural Development Illinois whether an RMAP MDO serves Randolph County
  2. Complete the MDO's intake, training, and loan process
  3. Eligible organizations interested in becoming an MDO should contact USDA before the next funding cycle

Timing: The final listed FY2026 quarterly MDO deadline passed June 30, 2026; local MDO business lending may follow a separate schedule.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • No direct USDA business application
  • Local access depends on a participating MDO and available revolving funds
  • Business-level underwriting and training requirements vary

May complement owner equity and other small-business financing if the MDO permits.

Evidence

Official sources.