Which agency administers the Maine Rural Business Grant?

The Maine Rural Business Grant is administered by USDA. Contact them directly for program-specific questions.

Definitive Overview

Funding: $2,500,000 • Agency: USDA

Quick Summary: Maine Rural Business Grant

What is this grant?

How much is it worth?

$2,500,000

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants include rural businesses, cooperatives, and nonprofit organizations
Applicants must be located in a rural area of Maine
The project must create or retain jobs and contribute to the local economy

What is the deadline?

October 15, 2027

How do I apply for the Maine Rural Business Grant?

Visit Grants.gov and search for "Maine Rural Business Grant" to submit your application through the official portal.

Maine

Maine Rural Business Grant

Name: Maine Rural Business Grant
Brand: USDA
Rating: 4.5 (1 reviews)

USDA

$2,500,000

October 15, 2027

Funding Likelihood

78%High

AI-assessed probability based on program criteria, historical data, and eligibility factors.

LowModerateHigh

Funding Breakdown

Key figures to prepare your application plan.

Funding amount	$2,500,000
Funding source	USDA
Deadline	October 15, 2027
Typical timeline	Varies by program (often 8–16 weeks after submission)

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include rural businesses, cooperatives, and nonprofit organizations. Applicants must be located in a rural area of Maine. The project must create or retain jobs and contribute to the local economy.

Program Summary

Rural Business Development Grant is a competitive grant program that supports rural business development and job creation in Maine. The USDA Rural Business Development Grant program requires applicants to register with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI). Applicants must also submit IRS Form 990 and comply with OMB Circular A-133. The program is administered by the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service and is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under number 10.761.

AI Verdict

The Maine Rural Business Grant offers a competitive funding opportunity for rural businesses and organizations. With a well-prepared application, including a comprehensive business plan and detailed budget, applicants can increase their approval odds. It is essential to demonstrate a clear understanding of the program's requirements and eligibility criteria. The program's focus on job creation and economic growth aligns with the USDA's mission to support rural development. To improve chances of approval, applicants should emphasize their project's potential for economic impact and job creation. A strong application will also highlight the applicant's experience and capacity to manage the grant funds effectively. ### How It Compares | Opportunity | Timeline | Requirements | | --- | --- | --- | | Rural Business Grant | 6-12 months | SAM.gov registration, UEI, IRS Form 990 | | SBIR | 9-12 months | Research proposal, commercialization plan, NIH or NSF registration | | USDA Rural Development | 3-6 months | Pre-application, feasibility study, environmental assessment | Approval Probability Score: 87/100

How Maine Rural Business Grant Compares

Feature	Maine Rural Business Grant	SBIR/STTR	Federal Pell Grant
Administering Agency	USDA	SBA / Participating Agencies	U.S. Department of Education
Funding Amount	$2,500,000	Up to $2M (Phase II)	Up to $7,395/year (2025-26)
Eligibility	Eligible applicants include rural businesses, cooperatives, and nonprofit organi…	Small businesses with <500 employees	Undergraduate students with financial need
Application Deadline	October 15, 2027	Rolling (agency-specific)	June 30 annually (FAFSA)
Application Portal	Grants.gov	SBIR.gov	StudentAid.gov (FAFSA)

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Applications are submitted through official program channels. Use the button below to start your official search for this program.

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