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 Grant to Nebraska Native American Community to Strengthen Small Businesses and Create Jobs

Name
Vicki Schurman
City
Washington
Release Date

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is providing support to a Nebraska Native American community to help strengthen tribal business and create jobs.  The funding is from USDA’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program, which promotes the development of small and emerging businesses in rural areas.

In Nebraska the   Center for Rural Affairs received a $99,000 grant.  The funds will be used to provide training and business assistance to two small businesses in Santee and Macy that will specialize in growing vegetables for high-value markets.  The assistance is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.

“USDA continues to create ladders of opportunity in Native American communities by investing in the tools needed to create good-paying jobs and raise the quality of life for residents,” Vilsack said.   “These strategic investments will help deliver more products and services to local customers, boost residents’ earnings and improve the economic vitality of this tribal community.”

Rural Business Enterprise Grants also may be used to help fund distance learning networks and employment-related adult education programs.  Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profit corporations and federally recognized Indian Tribes.

Since the start of the Obama Administration, the RBEG program has helped create or save more than 73,000 rural jobs, expanded or helped establish more than 41,000 rural businesses and community projects and provided more than $170 million in economic development assistance.

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. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.