This legislation aims to significantly strengthen and extend the existing Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) by amending the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. It proposes several key enhancements to make the program more accessible and impactful for rural microentrepreneurs, thereby fostering economic growth in rural areas. These changes are designed to provide greater financial support and flexibility for small businesses seeking to grow or establish themselves. Specifically, the bill increases the maximum loan amount available to microentrepreneurs from $50,000 to $75,000 , allowing for more substantial investments in their ventures. It also raises the federal guarantee for loans under this program from 75 percent to 100 percent , which is intended to significantly reduce risk for lenders and encourage more capital flow to rural enterprises. Furthermore, the legislation broadens the scope of eligible uses by allowing these loans to cover up to 50 percent of demolition, construction, or related real estate improvement costs, addressing a critical need for infrastructure development. Finally, to ensure the program's continued operation and effectiveness, the bill extends its authorization for appropriations from fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to fiscal years 2026 through 2030 , providing long-term stability and predictability for rural microenterprise development.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Agriculture and Food
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-4935| House
| Updated: 8/8/2025
This legislation aims to significantly strengthen and extend the existing Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) by amending the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. It proposes several key enhancements to make the program more accessible and impactful for rural microentrepreneurs, thereby fostering economic growth in rural areas. These changes are designed to provide greater financial support and flexibility for small businesses seeking to grow or establish themselves. Specifically, the bill increases the maximum loan amount available to microentrepreneurs from $50,000 to $75,000 , allowing for more substantial investments in their ventures. It also raises the federal guarantee for loans under this program from 75 percent to 100 percent , which is intended to significantly reduce risk for lenders and encourage more capital flow to rural enterprises. Furthermore, the legislation broadens the scope of eligible uses by allowing these loans to cover up to 50 percent of demolition, construction, or related real estate improvement costs, addressing a critical need for infrastructure development. Finally, to ensure the program's continued operation and effectiveness, the bill extends its authorization for appropriations from fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to fiscal years 2026 through 2030 , providing long-term stability and predictability for rural microenterprise development.