Small Business Resources for Rural Business Owners

Running a business in a rural community comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. The good news is that both the USDA and the SBA offer free resources specifically designed to help small business owners succeed, from hands-on mentoring and business planning assistance to rural-specific programs and eligibility tools. Below is a collection of the most useful ones, starting with resources focused on rural businesses and followed by general small business resources available to all entrepreneurs.

USDA Rural Business Resources

The USDA’s Rural Development division administers programs specifically designed to support businesses in rural areas.

USDA Rural Development

The USDA’s Rural Development agency oversees all federal programs aimed at strengthening rural economies, including the B&I loan program. Their website is the starting point for understanding what federal resources are available for rural businesses, from guaranteed lending programs to grants, technical assistance, and community development initiatives.

Learn More
A lender points at a computer screen as a small business owner looks on.

USDA Rural Development State Offices

Every state has a USDA Rural Development office staffed with specialists who know the programs and the local business landscape. They can provide guidance on B&I loan eligibility and point you toward other USDA programs that may benefit your business. If you’re exploring a B&I loan, a call to your state office is a valuable early step.

FIND YOUR STATE OFFICE

USDA Rural Eligibility Map

The USDA provides an interactive map tool that allows you to check whether a specific address falls within a USDA-eligible rural area. This is one of the first things to check when considering a B&I loan, since rural eligibility is a core requirement of the program.

CHECK ELIGIBILITY

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

REAP provides grants and loan guarantees to rural small businesses and agricultural producers for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. If your business is considering solar panels, energy-efficient equipment upgrades, or other energy projects, REAP may be able to help offset the cost.

Learn More

General Resources

In addition to USDA-specific programs, the SBA and its partner organizations offer free resources available to all small business owners, including those in rural areas.

An SBA Small Business Development Center employee helping a small business owner.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

A nationwide network of centers offering free one-on-one counseling and training on business planning, financial management, marketing, and operations. SBDCs are particularly helpful for borrowers preparing for the B&I loan process, as they can assist with building a business plan and getting financial documents in order.

FIND AN SBDC
Two small business owners looking at something on a computer.

Learning Center

A free online platform with self-paced courses on starting, managing, and growing a business. Topics range from writing a business plan and understanding financial statements to marketing and hiring. It’s a useful resource for borrowers preparing for the B&I loan process who want to strengthen their knowledge in specific areas.

START LEARNING
An older man teaching a younger man by pointing to something on a computer.

SCORE Business Mentorship

SCORE pairs small business owners with experienced volunteer mentors who provide ongoing guidance on running and growing a business. It’s free, and mentors are matched based on industry and business needs. For rural business owners, SCORE also offers virtual mentoring for those who aren’t near a physical chapter.

FIND A MENTOR

Resources for Women Entrepreneurs

Two women smiling and sharing business advice.

Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)

A national network of centers providing counseling, training, and networking opportunities specifically for women business owners. WBCs offer assistance with business planning, financial literacy, marketing, and access to capital – including guidance on government-backed loan programs.

FIND A WBC

Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs

The logo of the SBA's Veteran Business Outreach Centers, or VBOCs.

Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)

Centers dedicated to helping veterans and military spouses start or grow a business. VBOCs provide mentorship, training, and business counseling tailored to the unique challenges veterans face in transitioning to business ownership.

FIND A VBOC
A group of veterans attending a Boots to Business Program course.

Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot

An SBA program that provides entrepreneurial training to transitioning service members and military spouses, as well as veterans through its Reboot program. It includes a two-day introductory course and optional follow-up online training.

Learn More
Related Pages

Get matched with a USDA B&I lender

Tell us about your loan – it’s quick, easy, and free

Get Connected