The application deadline for funding offered through USDA Rural Development’s 2016 Rural Business Development Grant program to support targeted technical assistance and training to develop or expand small and emerging private businesses in rural communities or areas is Wednesday, June 1st.
“Many of our programs focus on the viability of rural communities and areas which are so important to our state and nation,” said Bill Menner, USDA Rural Development State Director in Iowa. “This Rural Business Development Grant program provides our rural communities with resources to advance small businesses, and help create new, sustainable jobs that will continue an economic revitalization in rural Iowa.”
Last year six projects supporting rural Iowa received funding through this nationally competitive program. Entities and organizations including communities, state agencies, nonprofit corporations, rural cooperatives, higher learning institutions, rural cooperatives and federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply for program funding.
Grant funds may be used for such activities as project planning, business counseling/training, technical assistance, market research, feasibility studies, professional and technical reports or product/service improvements. They may also be used to help acquire or develop land, construct or renovate buildings, establish revolving loans funds, community economic development planning, establish rural business incubators and leadership and entrepreneur training.
Applications will be evaluated on such criteria as evidence showing job creation to occur with local businesses, economic need in the area to be served, and consistency with local economic development priorities.
More information on USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grant program including the 2016 Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) and can be found at www.rd.usda.gov keyword search Rural Business Development Grant.
“USDA Rural Development’s funding continues to have a dramatic impact on rural communities across Iowa,” Menner added. “Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested $4 billion on essential public facilities, small and emerging businesses, water and sewer systems, and housing opportunities for Iowa families.”
USDA Rural Development can help rural communities and regions grow and prosper by offering a variety of financial and technical assistance programs that encourage the development of strong community and economic development strategies.
This past year USDA Rural Development’s investment in Iowa helped create or retain more than 1,000 jobs, aided 2,400 families in buying their own homes and assisted more than 60 communities as they made improvements to their facilities, services and infrastructure.
Contact USDA Rural Development
For more information about finance programs available through USDA Rural Development, please call (515) 284-4663 or visit the agency’s web site at www.rd.usda.gov/ia.
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.7 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. Office locations include a State Office in Des Moines, along with Area Offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has produced historic investment in rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have strengthened America’s small towns and cities and helped improve the nation’s economy.