Small business assistance program a valuable tool for rural entrepreneurs

JOHNATHAN HLADIK

Policy director

Center for Rural Affairs

Small business entrepreneurship is a key source of job creation for rural counties. These businesses generate economic activity that can multiply throughout the community.

But, they also face many challenges, including difficulty in accessing capital and acquiring training for business planning and financial management.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program aims to address these challenges. RMAP provides funding that allows community organizations to assist entrepreneurs looking to get started....