USDA Rural Development State Director for Colorado Crestina M. Martinez was in Pueblo to announce a $36,696 grant to the Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD). The grant was funded through the USDA Rural Business Development Grant program which supports business opportunity and enterprise projects in rural communities.
SCEDD will use the funding to provide entrepreneurial and leadership training for up to 20 businesses and create or preserve up to 14 jobs in southern Colorado. “Economic development and job creation are foundational to building vibrant and thriving rural communities,” said Martinez. “This grant will provide vital resources to rural businesses, offering training on essential topics such as QuickBooks, marketing, human resources, leadership, digital literacy, IT support, and project management. The skills gained through this program will not only boost individual businesses but also contribute to the overall economic growth and prosperity of the entire community,” said Martinez.
Since 1967, SCEDD has served and supported economic development efforts in thirteen counties in southern Colorado: Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Lake, Las Animas, Otero, Pueblo, and Prowers.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information in Colorado, visit www.rd.usda.gov/co.