USDA Rural Development last week announced 13 Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) awards totaling $287,000 to go to development organizations that will, in turn, jump start hundreds of Oregon small businesses, and assist others in expanding and adding jobs.
“With RBEG and a number of other programs, the USDA and the Obama Administration are helping Oregon manufacturers and other sectors continue to grow by addressing challenges with worker training, business development, and local supply chains,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Vicki Walker.
For instance, the Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District was selected to receive $20,000 for their “Buy Local Small Business Connectory.” Funding will support the creation of business directories and a manufacturer-supplier trade show to help a number of small, low-profile businesses in Northwest Oregon connect with and purchase from local outlets, rather than subcontract outside the region.
In addition, a $29,400 RBEG will help the Port Orford Ocean Resource Team train commercial fishers to assist marine research projects, thereby adding new employment and income opportunities for residents of Oregon’s economically struggling South Coast.
The following organizations were also notified last week of their selection for RBEG awards to provide business assistance in rural Oregon:
Drive Oregon - $20,000
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council - $29,100
South Central Oregon Economic Development District - $10,000
Port of Arlington - $14,000
Port of Gold Beach - $11,300
Community Resource Development Services - $22,000
Northwest Cooperative Development Center - $30,000
Rural Development Initiatives - $25,000
Oregon Department of Agriculture - $16,200
The Next Door, Inc. - $30,000
Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation - $30,000
Funding for each project is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions for the grant.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Oregon’s rural economies, and USDA is committed to helping new businesses take root and grow in every corner of the state,” Walker said.
RBEG is a competitive program that funds technical assistance, training, feasibility studies, and other activities that support the development of small business enterprises and new jobs in rural areas.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $170 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.