Resource Details

Economic Development, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Workforce

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program

This program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to 1) help microenterprise startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund and 2) provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs. Ultimate recipients can receive loans up to $50,000 with a fixed interest rate, limited to 75% of projects cost.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis!

Eligibility

Eligible applicants (and MDOs) are nonprofits, Federally recognized Tribes, and institutions of higher education. Businesses are not eligible to apply. MDOs must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, education/training in microenterprise development, or participation as an intermediary lender.

Eligible expenses and activities include working capital, debt refinancing, purchasing equipment and supplies, and improving real estate.

The funds must help eligible rural areas. Borrowers can be located anywhere so long as their project service are is within an eligible rural area. Lenders may be located anywhere.

Top Benefits

  • Ultimate recipients can receive loans up to $50,000 with a fixed interest rate
  • Borrowers may be located anywhere so long as their project service is within an eligible rural area
  • Lenders may be located anywhere

Related Resources

  • Agriculture, Arts & Culture, Child Care, Economic Development, Eldercare, Energy, Food & Beverage, Forestry & Paper, Native Peoples, Transportation, Workforce

    Wisconsin Cooperative Development Grant

    Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

    The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is offering grants to support the development of new and existing cooperatives in Wisconsin, with a goal of fostering the success of current and future cooperatives by supporting planning and exploratory research in advance of making a large investment.

  • Business, Economic Development

    WI Brownfields Cleanup and Development Informational Website

    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    Information and resources for cleaning up and redeveloping community blight into valuable property.

  • Economic Development, Sustainability

    WI DNR Environmental Protection Informational Webpage

    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    A list of topics related to environmental protection.