USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today announced the selection of three grant recipients that are receiving financing to help spur business development in rural Kansas. Kansas Main Street Inc., Kansas Department of Agriculture, and Chanute Regional Development Authority are receiving a total of $245,000 in grants through the USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant Program.
“The Rural Business Development Grants announced today are providing needed financial support for training and resources that will help small business owners in rural Kansas communities,” said Mensah. “USDA continues to focus on revitalizing the rural economy by partnering with local organizations that can leverage resources for rural entrepreneurs.”
Mensah is in Emporia today to visit with the Kansas Main Street Inc., which is a non-profit organization that was developed in 2013. Kansas Main Street Inc., is implementing a statewide initiative to establish a public-private partnership to guide and stimulate the economic growth of downtowns and small businesses. The project will build on the proven success of the formerly state-administrated Main Street program and its existing 25 communities, and will create and nurture new partnerships that will include new communities. In 2011, the Kansas Main Street Program celebrated its 25th anniversary, and over that time period data revealed a total reinvestment of nearly $557 million in Main Street communities, more than 3,600 new businesses created, and 8,518 new jobs added to the Kansas economy.
USDA’s Rural Business Development Grants are designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than
$1 million in gross revenues.
USDA Rural Business Development Grants announced today are:
- Kansas Main Street Inc.
$185,875 Grant
Funds will be used to implement the new Kansas Main Street organization, providing essential services to Main Street businesses, Main Street communities, and growing new Main Street communities.
- Kansas Department of Agriculture
$33,000 Grant
Funds will support regional agri-business development workshops targeted to individuals and small businesses that grow, produce, process or manufacture agricultural products.
- Chanute Regional Development Authority
$26,125 Grant
Funds will be used to establish a fabrication laboratory in Chanute, Kan., that will operate in conjunction with the organization’s business incubator. The fabrication lab will be utilized to provide training for individuals, businesses, and students at Neosho County Community College.
In 2014, USDA Rural Development invested $323 million in rural Kansas businesses and communities.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $210.5 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.