Entrepreneurs and business owners in rural areas can get business assistance from the nonprofit organization Rural Community Assistance Corporation. The nonprofit lender, known as RCAC, offers workshops, business consulting, and loans to entrepreneurs and businesses in western communities with less than 50,000 people.

Need help with business planning or breakeven analysis? RCAC business development experts partner with local organizations to conduct workshops and one-on-one consulting. Startup technical assistance includes help with management and staff planning, budgeting, and financial statement development. Existing businesses and nonprofit organizations can get help planning for future growth and accessing capital to fund growth.

The Start, Grow, Revive business workshop series was developed to help rural entities that often lack access to capital and business knowledge. The workshops are augmented by one-on-one technical assistance to help entrepreneurs achieve their business startup goals. Virtual networking through the Western Rural Startup Network connects entrepreneurs for guided peer-to-peer connections.

Founded in 1978, RCAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on community development, including environmental infrastructure (water, wastewater and solid waste facilities); affordable housing development; community resilience and disaster planning; economic and leadership development; and community development finance.

RCAC’s more than 200 employees serve rural and Indigenous communities in 13 western states, including New Mexico. Services are available to businesses in communities with populations of fewer than 50,000, other nonprofit groups, Tribal organizations, farmworkers, colonias, and other specific populations. 

As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), RCAC helps communities by offering financing to small businesses, water districts, and everything in between. As of March 31, 2025, RCAC closed 1,912 loans which totaled $984,977,262 and leveraged more than $3.338 billion for projects in rural communities. These loans created or retained 32,500 jobs. With 383 loans totaling more than $138 million currently under direct management, RCAC has the expertise to assist rural communities and businesses.

Learn more about RCAC, and request no-cost technical assistance.

RCAC launched the Native American Business Development A Journey NABDAJ workshop series for Native American entrepreneurs at Cochiti Pueblo.