The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is seeking applications to support economic development and create jobs in rural Oregon, and the deadline has been extended.
The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program can be used to establish business support centers; provide funds for job training and leadership development; or to support targeted technical assistance, training, feasibility studies, and other activities leading to the development or expansion in rural areas of small and emerging private businesses with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenue.
The grants will be awarded on a competitive basis. Public bodies, federally-recognized tribes, nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and cooperatives are eligible to apply. Proposed projects must be consistent with any local or area-wide community and economic development strategic plans and support other economic development activities in the project area.
The application deadline has been extended. Applications must now be received by 4:30 p.m. PST on March 31, 2021. Applications may be submitted electronically to or.rd.bp.apps@usda.gov or mailed to:
USDA Rural Development
ATTN: Faith Harris, Business and Cooperative Programs
1220 SW 3rd Avenue
Suite 1801
Portland, OR 97204
This year, USDA anticipates that part of the available funding will be set aside for federally-recognized Native American tribes and Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) projects. Applicants must indicate that they are applying for set aside funds and demonstrate that at least 75 percent of the benefits of the proposed project will assist beneficiaries in the designated areas.
Prior to developing an application, interested applicants are encouraged to contact Faith Harris, Business and Cooperative Programs Specialist, (503) 414-3358, to discuss their project proposal.
Additional information is also available on page 8160 of the February 4, 2021, Federal Register.