USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today joined U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp to announce that the Spirit Lake Tribe will receive a $973,000 grant for the renovation of a mini-mall building, which will include space for small business entrepreneurs.
“USDA is committed to increasing economic opportunities in Native American communities by investing in projects that will create well-paying jobs and improve quality of life for Tribal families,” Mensah said. “This innovative reuse of an existing building will provide affordable, attractive space for small businesses, helping them save on operating costs and become financially secure.”
Mensah is in North Dakota today to visit USDA Rural Development projects that are helping address infrastructure needs on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
The 12,750-square-foot mini-mall currently houses Paul’s Grocery and Luis Café. Using USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant program, both businesses will receive updates during the renovation and additional offices will be created for other businesses to rent. The project is geared towards entrepreneurs, which may include students graduating from the Business Development Center through Cankdeska Cikana Community College.
“The renovation will provide a needed venue for entrepreneurs to flourish, which will ultimately help revitalize the local economy, creates jobs in an area that really needs employment opportunities, and improves the quality of life for the entire region,” said Ryan Taylor, USDA Rural Development state director. “USDA is proud to partner with the Spirit Lake community on this project. We know that North Dakota is better when we’re all pulling together.”
Last week, USDA Rural Development announced $638,000 grants in to 12 North Dakota recipients to support the start-up or expansion of rural small businesses. Since 2010, USDA has awarded more than $3.2 million in business grants to generate economic activity and revitalize communities in North Dakota. More information on USDA programs is available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/nd.