USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the awarding of $3 million for 19 grants to provide technical assistance to socially disadvantaged business groups in rural areas.
"This funding will provide technical assistance to help socially disadvantaged businesses succeed,” Vilsack said. “It will support rural communities by giving business owners access to the support and training they need to start businesses or make their operations more successful.”
USDA is making the grants available through the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant Program (formerly the Small, Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant Program). This program supports technical assistance such as feasibility studies, leadership and training, and the development of business and strategic plans.
The 19 investments announced today are being made to recipients in 14 states. For example, in South Dakota, Inter-Tribal Buffalo Council, Rapid City, has been selected to receive a $134,259 grant to provide technical assistance to small, socially-disadvantaged producers in rural areas. The funds will be used for training and best management practices for the development of disease management programs.
Funding of each award announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of their grant agreement.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.