Agriculture Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today announced 28 grants for $4.3 million to support business and economic development in Tribal communities in 14 states. Funding comes from the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program, which promotes the development of small and emerging businesses in rural areas.
“USDA is committed to increasing economic opportunities in Native American communities by investing in projects that will create well-paying jobs and improve the quality of life for Tribal families,” Mensah said during a visit here today. “These strategic investments are supporting a wide range of business needs that will help Native American enterprises – from technical assistance and training to revolving loan funds.”
In South Dakota, Four Bands Community Fund, Inc. is receiving $99,995 to buy equipment and provide technical assistance. The project will help five businesses and is expected to create 12 jobs. USDA has designated the area for targeted assistance through the Strike Force for Rural Growth and Opportunity Initiative. Since USDA established StrikeForce in 2010, more than $16 billion in investments have been directed to the country’s most economically challenged areas to create jobs, build homes, feed kids, assist farmers and conserve natural resources.
Congress created the RBDG program under the 2014 Farm Bill. The program combines the former Rural Business Enterprise Grant and Rural Business Opportunity Grant programs. RBDG sets aside a portion of funds for business development and job creation efforts on behalf of federally recognized Indian Tribes. Financing for the grants announced today comes from those targeted funds.
USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant Program is one of several that support rural economic development. Since the start of the Obama administration, USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service has helped 85,000 rural businesses.
Funding of each award announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses, and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.