USDA and SBA will held two Joint Activity Together Tuesday August 20 in Fajardo, Thursday August 22 in Ponce and August 23 USDA will held an activity in Mayaguez.
Aug. 19, 2024 – USDA Rural Development State Director for Puerto Rico, Maximiliano J. Trujillo-Ortega, today announced two joint activities with SBA and one activity with the USDA Rural Development.
These activities are the 1st joint effort between USDA RD and SBA following the memorandum of Understanding signed between both Agencies. Both Agencies are committed to improving program effectiveness and increasing access to capital through enhanced collaboration and coordination in area of mutual interest.
As stated by USDA Deputy Secretary Torres Small the “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to a whole of government approach to rebuild the economy for the American people from the bottom up and middle out, especially in the nation’s most underserved and rural communities,” Trujillo-Ortega said. The events will be free of charge and will be held on Tuesday, August 20 at the Inter American University of Fajardo, on Thursday August 22 at the Ponce Regional Office of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico and Friday August 23 in the USDA Rural Development Area Office Park IV Building in Mayaguez.
Trujillo-Ortega indicated, “It is important that the business community of Puerto Rico be aware of the business opportunities directly with the agencies. These series of events are the first conversation about how to expand Puerto Rico businesses possibilities with USDA.”
USDA Rural Development Chief Operation Officer, Roger Glendenning, is participating in these events. “Rural Development has a strong commitment to providing contracting opportunities to small business throughout Puerto Rico” Glendenning said. “We are here this week to reach out and liaison with business who may be new to working with the USDA in a contractor capacity. We hope to build some bridges for the future partnerships this week.”
Lori Lloyd, USDA Rural Development Director of Procurement says, “USDA and the Federal Government procurement opportunities are a great way to strengthening rural communities and enhance economic growth.” “Throughout this week, Rural Development Procurement Specialist are available to train and meet one-on-one with small businesses to enhance contracting prowess and increase opportunities to successful tap into the Federal contracting opportunities.”
The first two activities which will be held from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, will be in Spanish and will have the participation of SBA, USDA/RD, the Small Business and Technology Development Center (PR SBTDC), among other organizations and companies, which will join efforts to encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen economic development in rural areas of Puerto Rico. Those interested in participating in the event must register at the following link: bit.ly/SBAUSDAEvent.
The activity of August 23 it the Mayaguez USDA Rural Development Area Office is also from 8:00AM to 2:30 PM. The purpose is that the community learn more about support services of USDA Rural Development provides to small businesses, and how to successfully maneuver through the maze of federal contracting. Those interested in participating please register at SM.PuertoricoRPN@usda.gov
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/pr.
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