USDA Rural Development Business Programs Director Randy Snider announced the selection of three grant recipients that are receiving financing to help spur business development in rural Kansas. Highland Community College, North Central Regional Planning Commission, and Together We Succeed Inc., are receiving a total of $233,000 in grant funding through the USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program.
“The RBDG program helps facilitate business development and create jobs in rural Kansas communities,” said Snider. “We are happy to partner with the organizations announced today, which are focused on helping small, rural businesses thrive, and supporting the rural 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 are:
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Highland Community College
$99,770 RBDG Grant
Funds will be used to equip a business incubator for entrepreneurs interested in entering the Kansas wine industry. In addition to entrepreneurs having access to equipment and storage space, the incubator will provide tutoring, teaching and mentoring services provided by Highland Community College’s Viticulture and Enology staff. Highland Community College staff will also provide workshops and consultation to current or prospective Kansas wineries.
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North Central Regional Planning Commission
$33,730 RBDG Grant
Funds will be used to conduct a feasibility study on operating a food hub within a grocery store. Grocery stores in Iowa, Kansas, and Michigan will serve as pilots. The findings from the study will be shared with communities across the states as a best-management tool.
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Together We Succeed Inc.
$99,500 RBDG Grant
Funds will be used to provide technical assistance to small and emerging private businesses in rural Kansas. The organization will partner with Kansas State University students to provide access to small business marketing, social media, and E-Commerce services. Local food businesses will be able to receive safe food practice and food sales education.
For more information about finance programs available through USDA Rural Development, please call (785) 271-2700 or visit the agency’s website at www.rd.usda.gov/ks.
Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested nearly $13 billion to start or expand nearly 112,000 rural businesses; helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; and funded nearly 9,200 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities. USDA also has invested $31.3 billion in 963 electric projects that have financed more than 185,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines serving 4.6 million rural residents.