Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP) For Rural Business Investment Companies (RBICs)

Grant Overview

Donor: USDA Rural Development

About: The Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP) is designed to address the equity capital investment needs in rural communities across the United States. This program provides licenses to for-profit developmental capital organizations, known as Rural Business Investment Companies (RBICs), which are essential for fostering rural development and business investment. The initiative requires that 75% of the funds be invested in communities with a population of 50,000 or less, ensuring that rural areas receive the necessary support for economic growth.

RBIP supports newly formed for-profit entities with experience in venture capital or community development financing. By providing RBIC licenses, the program enables these organizations to invest in rural businesses, thereby promoting job creation, economic development, and community growth. The program’s focus on rural areas helps bridge the gap in access to capital, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in underserved communities.

Focus: Rural Development, Venture Capital, Business Investment, Community Development

Region: United States

Eligibility:
-For-profit entities
-Subsidiary entities
-Minimum $10 million private equity
-Experience in venture capital or community financing

Benefits:
-Flexible rural business investment through RBIC licenses
-Support for rural economic development and job creation
-Promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship in rural communities

Terms:
-Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP): A program providing licenses to Rural Business Investment Companies (RBICs) for equity capital investment in rural communities.
-Rural Business Investment Companies (RBICs): For-profit developmental capital organizations licensed to invest in rural businesses.
-Venture capital: Investment in start-up and early-stage companies with high growth potential.
-Community development financing: Financial support for projects that promote economic development and community growth.