(Alexandria, La., September 3, 2026) — U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Louisiana State Director Troy Romero announced the agency is awarding a $197,962 grant to NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana to support small businesses in rural areas across northeast Louisiana.
“This investment empowers local entrepreneurs and strengthens the economic backbone of northeast Louisiana,” said Romero. “Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins commits USDA to investing in a strong rural workforce and by expanding access to training, leadership development, and business resources. This project will help rural communities build new opportunities and support homegrown industries.”
The grant, awarded through the Rural Business Development Grant Program (RBDG), will help NOVA provide technical assistance to 50 small businesses and establish a Business Support and Innovation Center within its service area. This project serves East Carroll, Madison, Morehouse, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll parishes. Businesses that participate in technical assistance are expected to grow in their capacity for strategic planning, workforce training, procurement readiness, technology use, and more. NOVA’s Business Support and Innovation Center will provide programs and services that help entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses, strengthen leadership and management skills, support key industries, and make better use of local assets in low‑income rural communities across northeast Louisiana.
USDA’s RBDG program supports targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities that promote the development and expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas.
Learn more about funding opportunities and investments like this online at www.rd.usda.gov, subscribe for updates, and follow us on X at RD_Louisiana.
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