The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced that the agency is now accepting applications for Rural Business Development Grants and Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants.
“We are thrilled to announce two incredible funding opportunities for rural communities,” said USDA Rural Development Missouri State Director Ben Baker. “These grants will help revitalize workforce development and support essential local institutions like schools and hospitals.”
Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)
The purpose of the Rural Business Development Grants program is to promote economic development and job creation projects through the awarding of grant funds to eligible entities. This year the program has two different application closing dates:
- June 15, 2026, only applies to Strategic Economic and Community Development applications.
- June 30, 2026, applies to the remainder of the applicants.
Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grants
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other – and the world – overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.
- Please join us for an in-person technical workshop on the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program. The workshop will take place on May 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Cox Hospital North. You can find registration information available online.
To learn more about these programs, contact USDA Rural Development in Missouri at RD.MO.General.Inquiries@usda.gov. For more information on USDA Rural Development programs visit www.rd.usda.gov/mo, subscribe to GovDelivery updates, and follow us on X at @RD_Missouri.