DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 17, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Senior Advisor for Rural Engagement, Delivery and Prosperity Cindy Axne today announced that the Department is awarding $99,000 to a non-profit organization to promote economic development in Iowa. The investment was made through the Rural Business Development Grants program (RBDG).
Axne made the announcement while visiting the Iowa Center for Economic Success in Des Moines. The organization received the USDA grant for $99,000 to facilitate business development in rural eastern Iowa. This project will provide funding to hire a client services coordinator who will provide one-on-one business coaching, training, and technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The project is designed to help small businesses succeed and expand.
“Rural people and places are the backbone of this country, and there are many entrepreneurs and small businesses out there trying to develop new markets and products,” said Axne. “Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Vilsack, USDA is committed to supporting opportunities for small business to grow, thrive, and create good-paying jobs in rural Iowa.”
The RBDG program promotes economic development and job creation projects by awarding grant funds to eligible entities. Applications compete in two separate categories—business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants—for use in funding business and community projects that serve rural areas.
Axne made the stop in Des Moines during a tour of the Midwest to highlight recent USDA funding awards that improve the quality of life in rural America. Read more here.
Contact USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.3 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. Office locations include a state office in Des Moines, along with area offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton, and Waverly.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas in Iowa, call (515) 284-4663 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ia. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, Tribal, and high-poverty areas.
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