The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $50,000 in a rural business development grant that will benefit rural communities throughout Boone, Cabell, Clay, Kanawha, Lincoln, Putnam and Wayne counties.
This Rural Development investment is going to Charleston-based Advantage Valley to assist in creating a revolving loan fund to help boost entrepreneurial startups and expansions in several key emerging sectors. Some of the sectors that will be positively impacted are food and beverage production, river and outdoor recreation, dependent care services, healthcare, small manufacturing, and construction trades. This investment will also save nine jobs and create two new jobs.
“These business sectors are vital to rural communities throughout the state and to the West Virginia economy,” said Kris Warner, West Virginia State Director, USDA Rural Development. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has continued to work untiringly as a strong partner to the Mountain State, because we know that when rural West Virginia thrives, all of America thrives.”
This investment is part of a group of 14 rural business development grant projects across West Virginia with a combined statewide investment of $627,000.
USDA Rural Development’s rural business development grants can be used for training and technical assistance; acquisition or development of land, easements, or rights of way; feasibility studies and business plans; and more. For more information about the Rural Business Development Grant Program, visit https://go.usa.gov/xGE37
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.
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