AMES,IOWA - Nov. 9, 2011 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 35 rural micro-development organizations for loans and grants to support rural business development, create jobs, and strengthen local communities. Business organizations in 22 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will receive support.
"A strong rural America and a strong agricultural industry go hand in hand," said Vilsack. "These investments will bring increased economic opportunity to rural residents and communities. They will help organizations expand job and economic opportunities in rural communities across the nation."
The announcement was made on the Secretary’s behalf by Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Doug O’Brien during a trip to Ames, Iowa to address the Rural Young Entrepreneur Summit (YES).The funding being provided through the Rural Micro-entrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). Recipients are development organizations that make loans to microenterprises and micro-entrepreneurs and provide business-based training and technical assistance to rural micro-borrowers.
For example, in Washington State, Enterprise for Equity, a non-profit organization based out of Olympia that helps people with limited incomes start and sustain small businesses, will receive a $250,000 loan and a $62,500 grant to capitalize a rural microloan revolving fund to make loans and provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs and County Economic Tri Development Non Profit Corporation will receive a $400,000 loan and a $100,000 grant to provide technical assistance in Ferry, Pend Oreille and Stevens and to capitalize microenterprises.
In Eastern Washington, the Tri County Economic Development Non Profit Corporation will receive a $400,000 loan and a $100,000 grant to provide technical assistance in Ferry, Pend Oreille and Stevens and to capitalize a rural microloan revolving fund to make loans to rural micro-entrepreneurs and microenterprises in Ferry, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Adams, Asotin, Garfield, Grant, Whitman, Spokane, and Lincoln Counties.
“We have a long standing partnership with these two organizations,” said Tuana Jones, USDA Rural Development Business & Cooperative Programs Director in Washington State. “This additional assistance will allow them to reach microenterprises in need of support that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Collectively our goal is to provide opportunities for economic vitality in rural communities. “

Funding for each project is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan and grant agreement.
Since taking office, President Obama’s Administration has taken historic steps to improve the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities. From proposing the American Jobs Act to establishing the first-ever White House Rural Council – chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack – the President wants the federal government to be the best possible partner for rural businesses and entrepreneurs creating job opportunities and for people who want to live, work, and raise their families in rural communities.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $155 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).


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