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Trump Administration Invest $351,112 in Rural Business Development Grants in Rural Pennsylvania

Name
Amber Albright
Phone
City
Harrisburg
Release Date

Investment to Help Provide Technical Assistance and Training for Small Rural Businesses

Harrisburg, PA., Aug. 19, 2020 – The Trump Administration along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Curt Coccodrilli today announced that USDA is investing $351,112 to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses in rural Pennsylvania. USDA is providing the funding through the Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG).  

“Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, I am privileged to announce these vital funding in rural Pennsylvania. Investments like this are paramount to the goals of President Trump set forth in his Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. This investment will help retain and grow the workforce. It is truly an honor to give back to the communities and help those seeking family sustaining jobs throughout this remarkable region.,” said Curt Coccodrilli, PA State Director. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Pennsylvania in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

Recipients can use RBDG funding on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas. The funding can also be used for training, technical assistance, acquisition or development of land, pollution control, distance adult learning for job training and advancement.

In Pennsylvania:

  • Youngsville Television Corporation located in Youngsville, Pa. was awarded $99,000 and will be used to help fund an expansion of the informational technology and equipment currently used by the Covation Center. This project is expected to create several new jobs and businesses throughout Lycoming County.
  • Forest County Business Alliance located in Marienville, Pa. was awarded $99,597 and will be used for phase III for the Forest County EMPOWERS Rural Business Program to provide technical assistance for small and emerging private business enterprises in underserved Forest County. Phase III will include any type of professional services which will help business startup, improve operations, expand, develop new offerings, improve their facilities, create or implement growth plans, or obtain staff training. This will increase job opportunities through the county.
  • Bucknell University located in Lewisburg, Pa. was awarded $99,950 and will be used to fund a business incubator/accelerator that will serve Danville and the surrounding area. Tentatively called the Startup Danville, this incubator will be located in Danville, Pa. This project will be headed by Startup Lewisburg which has already received several requests to use this space in Danville. This project will create several new positions in the area, not counting the main businesses that will be using it as well.
  • Adams County Historical Society located in Gettysburg, Pa. was awarded $40,000 and will be used to fund pre-construction engineering and architectural items for a new museum facility that will house stored and never before displayed historic items held by the Adams County Historical Society. The new facility will have a large economic impact for the area, drawing tourists and customers to local businesses.
  • The Covation Center located in Williamsport, Pa. was awarded $12,565 and will be used to help fund an expansion of the informational technology and equipment currently used by the Covation Center. This project is expected to create several new jobs and businesses throughout Lycoming County.
    USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

If you would like to schedule an interview with State Director Curt Coccodrilli, please contact Amber Albright at 717-237-2295 or Amber.Albright@usda.gov.

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