Bringing businesses or jobs to your community is the dream of most community leaders involved in economic development. However, getting it done seems impossible at times – especially with limited funding. But there could be an answer!
The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development is now accepting applications for grants to support rural businesses and help create jobs. The funding is available nationwide to improve economic development in rural America.
The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) is designed to assist with startup and expansion of small and emerging private businesses and/or nonprofits in rural communities. Eligible applicants include public bodies, government entities, Indian tribes, and non-profit organizations. Funds can be used for business incubators, leadership and entrepreneur training, acquisition or development of land or buildings, capitalization of revolving loan funds to be re-lent to local businesses and many other purposes – all to assist small businesses.
For example in 2015, Four Bands, a non-profit economic development organization assisting small businesses on the Cheyenne River Reservation, utilized USDA funding to set-up a technical assistance project. “Four Bands' strategy for achieving its mission is based on a model called Icahya Woecun ‘the place to grow’, ” said Mark Shupick, Director of Business Development Services, Four Bands. “With the help of USDA our project specifically assist small private business enterprises with expansion and risk management is moving forward. The project results will help these businesses expand or strengthen their current financial position and retain their current employees through greater security and valuation of their asset. Our ‘Risk & Asset Management for Stabilizing the Commercial Base’ project will play a significant role in helping the Tribe and community alleviate poverty through strengthening and growing businesses, especially by providing assistance to protect and value their assets.”
Funds have been set aside nationally to assist Native Americans, and additional monies will be allotted among the states for non-set aside applicants. All grants will be awarded competitively, based on several areas including:
• Evidence showing job creation to occur with local businesses;
• Percent of nonfederal funding committed to the project;
• Economic need in the area to be served;
• Consistency with local economic development priorities; and
• Experience of the grantee with similar efforts.
“This program is one way the USDA demonstrates its commitment to strengthening our rural communities,” said Bruce Jones, Acting South Dakota State Director. “These grants can help rural businesses in accessing resources they need to maintain and grow their business and create jobs in the communities they serve.”
Key Dates
March 30, 2016: Native American Set Aside RBDG applications due
May 2, 2016: Non-Set Aside RBDG applications due
Applicants are encouraged to contact a local Business & Cooperative Program Specialist or the State Office for more details about the application requirements and process:
Dana Kleinsasser, Rural Business & Cooperative Programs Director (Huron State Office)
Phone: (605) 352-1142
Email: dana.kleinsasser@sd.usda.gov
Cayla Hilbrands, Assistant (Huron State Office)
Phone: (605) 352-1142
Email: cayla.hilbrands@sd.usda.gov
Shelby Kraemer, Assistant (Aberdeen)
Phone: (605) 226-3360, Ext. 4
Email: shelby.kraemer@sd.usda.gov
Gary Wedel, Specialist (Mitchell)
Phone: (605) 996-1564, Ext. 105
Email: gary.wedel@sd.usda.gov
Clark Guthmiller, Specialist (Pierre)
Phone: (605) 224-8870, Ext. 120
Email: clark.guthmiller@sd.usda.gov
Hettianne Cekalla, Specialist (Rapid City)
Phone: (605) 342-0301, Ext. 118
Email: hettianne.cekalla@sd.usda.gov
Jolene Pravecek, Specialist (Yankton)
Phone: (605) 665-2662, Ext. 116
Email: jolene.pravecek@sd.usda.gov
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.