USDA assistance provided to rural areas under this program may include loans and grants to rural micro-enterprises and micro-entrepreneurs and business-based training and technical assistance grants to rural micro-borrowers and potential micro-borrowers. It also may include other activities as deemed appropriate by the Secretary to ensure the development of rural micro-enterprises.

Applications will be accepted throughout the year and awarded on a quarterly basis. For fiscal year 2010, applications must be received by July 16, 2010. The total amount available in fiscal year 2010 is $45.1 million. Of this, $36.2 million will be available for loans, $7.6 million will be available for micro-lender technical assistance grants, and $1.3 million will be available for technical assistance-only grants. More information on how to apply for funding is available in the June 3 Federal Register, page 31413, http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-13380.pdf.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of 6,100 employees located in the nation's capital and 500 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. USDA Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $138 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

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Dane Henshall (202) 260-0996
Phil Eggman (360) 704-7709
Misha Divens (360) 704-7700