The purpose of the IRP program is to alleviate poverty and increase economic activity and employment in rural communities. Under the IRP program, loans are provided to local organizations (intermediaries) for the establishment of revolving loan funds. These revolving loan funds are used to assist with financing business and economic development activity to create or retain jobs in disadvantaged and remote communities. Intermediaries (Region IV Development) are encouraged to work in concert with State and regional strategies, and in partnership with other public and private organizations that can provide complimentary resources.

Who can apply for loan funds from the intermediaries? The following entities are generally eligible to apply for loans from intermediary lenders provided they owe no delinquent debt to the Federal Government:

• Individual citizens or individuals who have been legally admitted to the U.S.,
• Those located in a rural area defined as an area with a population of 25,000 or less,
• An entity that is able to incur debt, give security, and repay the loan,
• A corporation, partnership, LLC, individual, non-profit corporation, public body.

• The acquisition, construction, conversion, enlargement, or repair of a business or business facility, particularly when jobs will be created or retained.
• The purchase or development of land (easements, rights of way, buildings, facilities, leases, materials)
• To purchase equipment, leasehold improvements, machinery, supplies
• Start up costs and working capital
• Pollution control and abatement
• Transportation Services
• Feasibility studies
• Hotels, motels, B&Bs, convention centers