USDA Announces Launch of New Private Investment Fund

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the launch of a new private investment fund with the potential to inject $100 million into small businesses across rural America.

The McLarty Capital Partners (MCP) Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) will be the fifth RBIC that USDA has helped to initiate since 2014. The initiative is part of USDA’s ongoing efforts to attract private sector capital to investment opportunities in rural America to help drive more economic growth in rural communities.

“Innovative small businesses throughout rural America need the same access to capital as their urban business counterparts,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “McLarty Capital Partners is an important ally in USDA’s efforts to reenergize the rural economy, help small businesses grow and strengthen local communities.”

“We are pleased to partner with USDA in this innovative public-private partnership to propel and sustain small business growth in rural America,” said McLarty Capital Partners co-founder, Franklin McLarty. “With roots in America’s heartland, McLarty Capital Partners is committed to ensuring that small and medium sized enterprises have the means necessary to achieve their business goals, and this endeavor only furthers that mission.”