The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Act modernizes USDA loan program and expands opportunities for rural entrepreneurs
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) introduced the bipartisan Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Act, legislation aimed at revitalizing rural economies by improving access to capital and helping small businesses in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. Representative Mannion introduced the bill alongside Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03).
The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Act modernizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) by eliminating outdated restrictions to expand opportunities for local businesses to grow, create jobs, and invest in their communities.
Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) said, “The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that will directly support economic activity and job growth in Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and in rural communities across America. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’m committed to advancing bipartisan solutions that improve access to capital for small businesses, especially those supporting agriculture and main street employers.”
Small businesses make up 98% of New York State’s businesses and employ 53% of the state’s workforce. Yet for entrepreneurs in rural communities, outdated federal lending caps and usage restrictions have limited access to the support needed to launch or expand a business. The bipartisan Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Act addresses these challenges head-on.
To better support rural small businesses, the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Act makes the following critical updates:
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Increases the maximum loan amount from $50,000 to $75,000 to better reflect current business startup and expansion costs
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Expands eligible use of funds to include up to 50% of construction, demolition, or real estate improvement costs—ensuring rural entrepreneurs can improve their physical spaces
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Extends program authorization through 2030, providing stability for lenders and entrepreneurs alike
“Small businesses are the backbone of our rural communities. They create jobs, drive economic growth, and invest in local communities,” said Rep. Nunn. “As costs rise and access to capital remains a top concern, we need to ensure rural entrepreneurs aren’t left behind. This bill updates the program to meet today’s challenges and gives our job creators the tools they need to thrive.”
The USDA’s RMAP supports small business development in rural communities by providing funding to local organizations that offer loans and technical assistance to entrepreneurs. This legislation modernizes the program to ensure it remains an effective tool for revitalizing small-town economies.
Text of the bill can be found here.
