USDA REAP 101

There are three different grant applications, and they're based on the grant amount sought and total project cost.  

An agricultural producer derives at least half its income from agricultural production activities (e.g., growing crops, raising animals, milking cows).  A rural small business both (a) is located in a designated rural area and (b) meets Small Business Administration's ("SBA") standard for the applicant's industry.

The rule of thumb is the earlier, the better!

Unfortunately, we can't tell you that, but we can tell you that we're successful in capturing awards for over 90% of our clients!

The project needs to have design specifics and financing in place at minimum. The client should not incur project costs or begin construction until USDA has informed the applicant that they may do so.  

Yes!  However, it does add complexity to the application.  

If they are not a agricultural cooperative or municipal electric utility, no. But, a renewable project may apply that is owned by a for-profit business and the energy is sold to the public or non-profit entity.