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RENO, Nev., Nov. 20, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced today that USDA is strengthening its longstanding partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create jobs and expand access to new and better market opportunities for people in rural America.
“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,” Torres Small said. “At USDA, we are redoubling our commitment to drive economic security and prosperity for people in rural America, so they can find opportunities to succeed right in the places they call home. Strengthening our collaboration with the SBA helps us expand these opportunities for people to build brighter futures for generations to come.”
“Rural small businesses strengthen local economies - creating jobs and serving communities,” SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman said. “SBA’s partnership with USDA will build upon the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to investing in underserved rural Americans and providing the needed resources to help them start and grow their businesses to advance our economy and global competitiveness.”
“We’re proud of the resilience and creativity of rural entrepreneurs and changemakers in Nevada,” said Ingvoldstad. “As one of eleven states in the nation with a locally led Rural Partners Network Community Network, we are committed to working together with communities in Nevada to reduce existing barriers, advance the economy, and enhance rural well-being. Together with SBA, USDA Rural Development will continue to address unique local needs in rural communities poised for economic growth.”
Through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed today, USDA and SBA are committing to increase investments in small and underserved communities to help grow the rural economy and create good-paying jobs for people nationwide. In attendance were past USDA Rural Development Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) recipients, including Heidi Hill Drum, Chief Executive Officer of Tahoe Prosperity Center.
The agencies are also committing to expand opportunities for rural technical assistance providers, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and small business owners. They will also provide resources to help rural businesses compete in both domestic and international markets.
As part of the MOU, the agencies may work together to:
- Provide joint trainings, technical assistance and mentorship opportunities for rural small business owners and entrepreneurs.
- Help agricultural producers and small businesses identify ways to export their products around the world.
- Expand collaboration between USDA’s Rural Partners Network and SBA’s Resource Partners Network.
- Cross-promote programs that support rural businesses and socially disadvantaged communities, and more.
For more information, see the full MOU.
To learn more about investment resources for rural Nevada, visit www.rd.usda.gov/nv or contact the nearest USDA Rural Development state office.
USDA 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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery subscriber page.
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