USDA Launches grant program to help expand regional economies and create high-wage jobs in distressed rural communities
Versión en Español aquí
San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 16, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Karama Neal today unveiled a new grant program to help rural communities create good-paying jobs and support new business opportunities in high-growth fields.
Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) is intended to help rural communities identify and maximize local asset and connect to networks and industry cluster within their region. The new grant encourages a regional, innovation-driven approach to economic development.
“USDA is innovating the way we do business,” Neal said. “The RISE program ensures that critical funding supports long-term and sustainable economic growth in the rural communities and regions that need it most.”
Luis R. Garcia, Acting State Director indicated, that RISE provides grants of up to $2 million to consortiums of local governments, investors, industry, institutions of higher education, and other public and private entities in rural areas. The funds may be used to form job accelerator partnerships and create high-wage jobs, start, or expand businesses, and support economic growth in the rural areas of their region.
Funding may also e used to establish and operate innovation centers and partnerships, such as integrating rural businesses into new supply chains, providing workforce training, and identifying community assets. To help ensure long-term and sustainable community and economic development, award recipients must support projects for at least four years.
Applicants are encourage to contact Michelle Torres, Businesses & Cooperative Program Director, (787) 766-5412 (michelle.torres@usda.gov ) ahead of the application deadline for additional information about the program or the application process.
Starting June 16, 2021, applications will be accepted electronically at Grants.gov. Applications must be submitted by 11;59 pm Eastern Time on August 2, 2021. For additional information about the Program see page 31585 of the June 15, 2021 Federal Register.
USDA is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 11:30 a m Eastern Time to help stakeholders and potentials applicants. To register please visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9046642451030677262
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, creates jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/pr . If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page or follow us at @RD_PuertoRico.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.