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USDA Rural Development State Director Patty Clark announced that the agency is seeking applications for grants to support rural businesses and help create jobs. The funding is available to improve economic development in rural America.
The Rural Business Development Grant program is designed to assist with startup and expansion of small and emerging private businesses and/or nonprofits in rural communities. Eligible applicants include public bodies, government entities, Indian tribes, and non-profit organizations.
Rural Business Development Grant grants can be used to identify, train and provide technical assistance to rural entrepreneurs; conduct local community or multi-county economic development planning; identify and analyze business opportunities that will use local rural materials or human resources; establish centers for training, technology and trade for rural businesses; development of real estate for uses that will assist small and emerging businesses; establishment of a revolving loan program for intermediaries that provide financial assistance to small and emerging businesses; and to support rural distance learning programs that provide educational or job training.
The 2014 Farm Bill contains a key provision in support of regional rural economic development. The agency’s Regional Development Priority policy makes it easier for rural communities to access USDA Rural Development resources by giving priority to those applications that show evidence of a regional community development approach.
Last year, USDA Rural Development awarded three Rural Business Development Grants to Kansas organizations totaling $245,000. One grant recipient was Kansas Main Street Inc., which 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.
To apply for Rural Business Development Grant funds in Kansas, pre-application forms must be received by March 15, 2016 and full applications are due on May 16, 2016. For additional information on the Rural Business Development Grant program and to find application templates, visit the agency’s website at: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-business-development-grants/ks or contact Nancy Pletcher, USDA Rural Development Business Program Specialist, at (785) 271-2733 or nancy.pletcher@ks.usda.gov.
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 $211 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. |