U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

USDA AWARDS FUNDING TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH RURAL BUSINESSES

Name
Philip M. Eggman
City
Washington
Release Date

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today awarded nearly $20 million through 385 grants to help support the start-up or expansion of rural small businesses, including eight projects in Washington State totaling $330,000.

“These grants will strengthen the economic fabric of our rural small towns and communities by providing capital to small and emerging businesses,” Vilsack said.

The funding is being awarded through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program.  The RBDG Program is one of several that support rural economic development throughout Washington State where recipients may use the funds to provide technical assistance, training and job-creation activities.

For example, the Greater Lewis County Farmers Market Association will receive a $50,000 grant to provide technical training and market development that will benefit the agri-tourism industry in Lewis County. The North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council will receive $54,409 to purchase commercial kitchen equipment at Finnriver Orchard, allowing existing & new private businesses to process food in Jefferson County.

The City of Ocean Shores will receive a $32,000 grant to conduct a feasibility study of the Ocean Shores Coastal Dune Firebreak and Accessible Walk and Bike Path project. This project would provide access along the beach for all non-motorized modes of transportation, reducing the risk of human-caused dune fires while increasing visitor enjoyment. The trail would provide ocean view areas for visitors and firefighter access.

Also on the west side, Olympia-based Enterprise for Equity will receive a $50,000 grant to provide technical assistance in Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor counties through the development of replicable business development strategies including financing, collaborative partnerships and effective and proven training, tools and resources.

In Eastern Washington, the Uniontown Community Development Association will receive $49,197 to build an addition to an artisan business incubator, at the Center at the Dahmen Barn. The addition will provide work space for four to eight self-employed artisans, a commercial kitchen to be used by two to four artisans developing specialty food products, and classroom space.

The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District will receive a $7,720 grant to conduct a wine marketing enhancement project for the Columbia Gorge Wine Country, a region with more than 30 wineries and 80 vineyards on over 1,250 acres planted in 41 varietals.  Small wineries depend considerably on direct to consumer sales through their tasting rooms and on-premise consumption sales such as restaurants and wine shops.

Grant County Airport District #1 will receive a $37,355 grant for an expansion project to protect, renovate or reconstruct as necessary the runway and taxiway paved surfaces of the Desert Aire Airport, and to bring the airport up to FAA standards so the airport is in improved condition and will continue to provide service to the local agricultural community.

Finally, the Washington State Microenterprise Association will received $50,000 to conduct outreach for microenterprises in Adams, Asotin, Garfield, Columbia, and Whitman Counties.

“These investments are one way USDA demonstrates its commitment to the future of rural communities” said Carlotta Donisi, Washington Business Programs Specialist. “These grants create opportunity and help businesses to access the resources they need to grow and create jobs in the communities they serve.”

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.