Microenterprise Assistance Program

The Micro-Enterprise Assistance Grant (MEA) Program provides grant funds to assist in innovative solutions to problems faced by micro-enterprise businesses. Assistance to businesses may be in the form of grants or loans at the discretion of the community. Eligible Activities: Eligible activities under the Micro-Enterprise Assistance category are grants or loans to for-profit businesses that can be used for working capital and interior renovations, grants or loans for exterior improvements, including windows and other approved improvements; and eligible planning activities necessary to complete the Project Development Phase. or streets and other infrastructure improvements and buildings solely for residential use are not eligible. Exclusions: See Section 1H (3) Micro-Enterprise Assistance Loan Repayments – Communities that establish Micro-Enterprise Assistance as loans, and anticipate receiving $35,000 or more in loan repayments, must utilize the services of a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) or a Community Based Development Organization (CBDO) as defined in Section 105(a)(15) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, to manage repayments and subsequent relending. Micro-Enterprise Assistance Grants will be structured as forgivable loans. Maximum MEA Grant Amount: $150,000 per Community per year. Maximum Amount of Micro-Enterprise Assistance to an individual Business: $50,000 Please see the current Program Statement for further program information.