The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded nearly $20 million through 385 grants nationwide to help support the startup or expansion of rural small businesses. In Oregon, nine organizations across the state are receiving $285,000 to assist existing and emerging entrepreneurs, announced State Director Vicki Walker.
“A diversified, sustainable economy includes a variety of small businesses, which create jobs and strengthen the local community,” said Walker. “Today’s grant recipients are proactively working to foster an environment of entrepreneurship that will create opportunity and wealth in rural areas by providing the technical assistance small businesses need to get started or enhance their operations.”
USDA is awarding this funding through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program. Recipients may use the funds to provide technical assistance, training, and job creation activities. A complete list of today’s grant awards is available online. Funding of each grant is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.
The Rural Business Development Grant Program is one of several USDA programs that support rural economic development. Since the start of the Obama administration, USDA has helped 85,000 rural businesses get started or expand.
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.