USDA has decided not to issue a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program for FY ’09 funds. Instead USDA will propose rules, likely in December for FY 2009 funds with a comment period and then final rules sometime in FY 2010. The $4.5 million slated for FY 2009 will roll over in the program for FY 2010. The 2010 President’s budget provides approximately $22 million for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program which does not include the $4.5 million from FY ’09 funds. Adding in those funds, the total budgeted amount would be $26.5 million in FY ‘10.
It’s great that more funds will be available for programs next year. However, programs now are suffering because the FY 2009 dollars have not been distributed in FY 2009.
Contact your Congressional member today. Call US Congressional Switchboard Toll-free Numbers: 1.800.833.6354 and USDA at: 202.720.9113 today and request that the $4.5 million allocated for the Rural Microenterprise Entrepreneur Assistance Program in FY 2009 be distributed to programs in FY 2009.
What do you think about funding for the Rural Microenterprise Entrepreneur Assistance Program? Leave your comments on the AEO Exchange Blog.
It’s great that more funds will be available for programs next year. However, programs now are suffering because the FY 2009 dollars have not been distributed in FY 2009.
Contact your Congressional member today. Call US Congressional Switchboard Toll-free Numbers: 1.800.833.6354 and USDA at: 202.720.9113 today and request that the $4.5 million allocated for the Rural Microenterprise Entrepreneur Assistance Program in FY 2009 be distributed to programs in FY 2009.
What do you think about funding for the Rural Microenterprise Entrepreneur Assistance Program? Leave your comments on the AEO Exchange Blog.
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Do we know why USDA has decided to delay the allocation? I know that comments were solicited by USDA regarding RMAP funds use - how much to be allocated for loans vrs TA, etc. Have any of those issues been decided? Or is this also part of the postponement?
ReplyDeleteThe USDA has not yet divulged the reasons why they are not distributing the FY 2009 funds, but AEO continues to investigate and will report to members ASAP.
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