Organizations call on Congress to increase support for rural small businesses

As work begins on the 2025 federal budget, the Center for Rural Affairs and 26 partner organizations from across the country are asking Congress for continued support of rural small businesses through the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program.

Their letter, sent April 16 to the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Agriculture Appropriations subcommittees, requests $8 million in funding for the program.

Supporters said RMAP provides much-needed support for the small businesses that strengthen our nation’s rural communities. Through the program, direct loans and grants are p...