Agriculture Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today announced 28 grants for $4.3 million to support business and economic development in Tribal communities in 14 states. Nebraska is the recipient of two grants totaling $181,489.
Funding comes from the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program, which promotes the development of small and emerging businesses in rural areas.
The Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) at Lyons is the recipient of a $99,000 grant that will be used to provide training, technical assistance, support, and farmer’s market opportunities for Native American food-based businesses in the communities of Santee and Macy.
The Village of Walthill will receive $82,489 to establish a technical assistance and training program to assist Native American rural small business and small business start-ups in the Village of Walthill. The Village of Walthill will be collaborating with Nebraska Indian Community College, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, and the Omaha Nation Community Response Team.
“USDA is committed to increasing economic opportunities in Native American communities by investing in projects that will create well-paying jobs and improve the quality of life for Tribal families,” Mensah said. “These strategic investments are supporting a wide range of business needs that will help Native American enterprises – from technical assistance and training to revolving loan funds.”
Congress created the RBDG program under the 2014 Farm Bill. The program combines the former Rural Business Enterprise Grant and Rural Business Opportunity Grant programs. RBDG sets aside a portion of funds for business development and job creation efforts on behalf of federally recognized Indian Tribes. Financing for the grants announced today comes from those targeted funds.
USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant Program is one of several that support rural economic development. Since the start of the Obama administration, USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service has helped 85,000 rural businesses through various loan and grant activities.
Funding of each award announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.
For more information in Nebraska contact Business Programs Specialist Deborah Drbal at 402-437-5558 or deborah.drbal@ne.usda.gov. For more information visit: http://www.rd.usda.gov/ne.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses, and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.