South Iowa News

Representatives Zach Nunn of Iowa and John Mannion of New York have introduced the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at supporting small businesses in rural areas. The legislation seeks to update the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) by removing outdated restrictions and improving access to capital for rural entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our rural communities. They create jobs, drive economic growth, and invest in local communities,” said Rep. Nunn. “As costs rise and access to capital remains a top concern, we need to ensure rural entrepreneurs aren’t left behind. This bill updates the program to meet today’s challenges and gives our job creators the tools they need to thrive.”

According to recent data, small businesses represent 99% of all businesses in Iowa and employ nearly half of the state’s workforce. However, many rural business owners face challenges due to federal lending caps and restrictions that limit their ability to start or expand operations.

“The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that will directly support economic activity and job growth in Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and in rural communities across America,” said Rep. Mannion. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’m committed to advancing bipartisan solutions that improve access to capital for small businesses, especially those supporting agriculture and main street employers.”

The proposed legislation aims to modernize RMAP so it can continue providing funding through local organizations for loans and technical assistance targeted at entrepreneurs in small towns.

A full text of the bill is available online.