Investing for Impact Resource Guide

Rural Business-Cooperative Service (continued)

Program Overview

Applicant

Population Additional Informatio n

Supports small and emerging private businesses to start or expand. Funds can be used to purchase or develop land, buildings, and equipment; to cover costs for feasibility studies and business plans and provide other technical assistance; to improve rural transportation, establish revolving loan funds, and support rural distance learning programs that provide educational or job training Provides a Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) license to newly formed developmental capital organizations to fill the need for business and development capital in rural areas. The program works with for-profit developmental capital funds Helps establish and operate cooperative development centers. Cooperative development centers provide technical assistance, conduct feasibility studies, develop business plans, provide training, and facilitate strategic planning. Supports economic development and job creation in rural areas by providing zero-interest loans to eligible local utilities. Funds are then used to establish revolving loan funds (RLFs) that make pass-through funding available to ultimate recipients that back projects to create or retain rural jobs.

Towns, communities, state agencies, nonprofits, institutions of higher education, federally recognized Tribes and rural cooperatives

Rural areas outside of any city with a population of 50,000 or more

Program Type: Grant Terms and Conditions:

There is no maximum grant amount. Smaller requests are given higher priority, and there is no cost-sharing requirement. Website: https://go.usa.gov/xzDXt

Rural Business Development Grants

For-profit developmental capital organizations (or their subsidiaries) with experience in venture capital

75 percent of funds must be used in rural areas with a population of 50,000 or fewer. Applicants can

Program Type: Other Terms and Conditions: Applicants must raise a minimum of $10 million in private equity capital. Website: https://go.usa.gov/xzDXJ

Rural Business Investment Program

or community development financing

be located anywhere.

Nonprofits and institutions of higher education

Program Type: Grant Terms and Conditions:

Centers can be in any area, but must serve areas with populations of 50,000 or fewer.

Program Type: Grant Terms and Conditions: Grant terms are 10 years and require a 20 percent match from the utility. The grant must be repaid when the RLF is expended or terminated. Website: https://go.usa.gov/xzD5r Maximum grant is $200,000 with a 25 percent matching requirement of total project costs. Website: https://tinyurl.com/383r77nt

Rural Cooperative Development Grants

Electric and telephone utilities

The utility company must service rural areas with populations of 50,000 or fewer.

Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program

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