Rural Business Investment Program

What does this program do?
This program provides a Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) license to newly formed venture capital organizations to help meet the equity capital investment needs in rural communities.

Who may apply for this program?
Eligible applicants for the RBIC license include newly formed:

• For-profit entities, or
• Subsidiary of an entity

All Applicants:

• Must have relevant experience in venture capital or community development financing
• Must raise a minimum of $10 million in private equity capital
• May be structured as limited partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations

What is an eligible area?
There are no restrictions on the location of eligible applicants for RBIC licenses. The goal of each RBIC is to help fill the need for business and development capital in rural areas.

How may funds be used?

• A minimum of 75% of funds must be made in rural areas with a population of 50,000 or less.
• A minimum of 50% of funds must be invested in smaller enterprises 
• A maximum of 10% of RBIC investments may be made in urban areas 

How do we get started?
Applications for this program are accepted on an annual basis. A Notice of Solicitations of Applications (NOSA) is posted in the Federal Register.

Who can answer questions?
David Chesnick in our National Program Office can assist with planning, application, and servicing. He can be reached at (202) 690-0433 orDavid.Chesnick@wdc.usda.gov.

What governs this program?

• Code of Federal Regulation, 7 CFR Part 4290
• This program is authorized by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill)

Why does USDA Rural Development do this?
Access to capital is vital to businesses and often scarce in rural areas.