USDA Rural Development Nevada State Director Sarah Adler has announced the agency is accepting applications for the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG).
"This grant promotes long-term economic growth and community vitality in rural areas with exceptional needs," Nevada State Director Adler said. "Projects in our state have competed well in the past and we encourage non-profits, Tribes and public agencies to apply."
RBDG can fund technical assistance, establish revolving loan funds and support rural distance learning programs that provide educational or job training.
Individual businesses are not eligible to apply, but nonprofits, public bodies and Tribes are eligible. For a Tribe to apply to assist a Tribal business enterprise, the governing board must be independent from the tribal government.
In the past, Tribes, counties and development districts have used the RBDG funds to establish revolving loan funds to support micro loans in rural communities. For example, Lincoln County established an ongoing revolving loan fund to support small business loans, the Western Nevada Development District developed a micro-loan program for small businesses, and the Wells Band used a grant to open a business incubator.
Two pools of grant funds are available, the Native American set-aside and statewide funding. The first deadline is April 29 for the Native American grant funds, which is a national competition. Send applications by April 29 to USDA Rural Development, 1390 S. Curry St., Carson City, NV, 89703.
The second deadline is for the RBDG statewide allocation, estimated to be about $130,000. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public bodies like cities or counties that intend to assist small and emerging private business enterprise. The deadline for that grant is May 27. Send applications to the Carson City office address above.
For more information on the RBDG, please contact Michelle Kelly at (775) 887-1222, Ext. 118 or Laura Chavez at (775) 887-1222 Ext. 117.