MORGANTOWN, WV., Oct. 12, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) West Virginia State Director Ryan Thorn announced today that eleven West Virginia organizations will receive grants totaling $658,900 for economic and community development projects through the Rural Business Development Grant Program.
“At Rural Development – we are advocates for, investors in, and partners to rural communities and the people, businesses and organizations within those communities,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Ryan Thorn. “The eleven Rural Business Development Grant investments announced today are a testament to our commitment to create jobs, spur economic growth, diversify our local economies and build resilient communities across the Mountain State.”
In West Virginia, 11 organizations will benefit from grants through the Rural Business Development Grant Program:
- Fairmont Community Development Partnership, Inc., has received $50,000 to establish a revolving loan fund to support small businesses to fund their operating expenses or to provide capital improvements that will lead to growth and expansion. A $7,607 applicant contribution will be part of the project as well as a $9,000 third-party contribution from Marion Regional Development Corporation. As a result of this project, 22 jobs will be saved and 15 jobs will be created.
- Friends of Monroe, Inc. has received $60,000 to develop a comprehensive entrepreneurial support system through various forms of technical assistance to increase the success of early stage small businesses in the form of training, coaching, and business plan creation. A $12,700 applicant contribution will be part of the project as well as a $6,000 third-party match from Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation. The project will create 7 jobs.
- Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation has received $50,000 to support and create new jobs for local forestry sector, transportation, and sawmill companies by stimulating and accelerating rural biobased economic development. A $7,782 applicant contribution and $50,000 third-party match will be part of the project.
- Jefferson County Development Authority has received $50,000 to create the Agriculture at Home a marketing and development initiative to enhance the resiliency of producers and businesses by expanding market access and improving market availability as recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. A $11,600 applicant contribution will be used in the project. As a result of the project, 15 jobs will be saved and 16 jobs will be created.
- Little Kanawha Area Development Corporation has received $65,000 to create a centrally-located place to be a focal point for entrepreneurial activity to accelerate the growth of existing small businesses by providing resources, networks, and support required to raise capital and grow to be sustainable ventures.
- Mingo County Redevelopment Authority has received $50,000 to support new business development and existing business expansion around the Hatfield McCoy Trails, small businesses affected by the decline of coal industry on the Covid-19 pandemic. A $12,525 applicant contribution will be part of the project.
- Riffraff Arts Collective, Inc. has received $74,000 to develop a strategic organizational plan focused on the development and sustainability of the Lonnie Gunter, Jr. Center for Culture and History. Technical assistance will be used to strengthen place-based economic development. 11 jobs will be created from the project.
- Semper Liberi, Inc. has received $50,000 for purchasing two vans to support those in recovery seeking employment and training to return to the workforce.
- Webster County EDA has received $50,000 to rehabilitate a building and parking lot to create a Convention of Visitors Bureau. A $10,000 applicant contribution will be part of the project.
- Woodlands Development Corporation has received $60,000 to develop the first floor commercial space into an incubator for two new business ventures and purchase equipment to establish a high-quality, fully functional commercial kitchen. A $500 applicant contribution will be part of the project. A $10,000 third-party match will come from Barbour County Commission as well as $5,000 third-party match will come from the Belington Revitalization Committee. Four jobs will be created as a result of the project.
- City of Philippi has received $99,900 to expand infrastructure including new water, sewer, electric and gas lines for the businesses in an industrial park to expand their capacity. A $3,300 applicant contribution will be part of the project.
The Rural Business Development Grant Program is designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. For more information on the program and how to apply, contact Jesse Gandee at jesse.gandee@usda.gov.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate, smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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