The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to help socially disadvantaged agricultural producers and rural business owners. This funding is being provided through USDA's Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) Program.
Up to $3 million will be awarded nationwide to help small businesses retain and create jobs in rural areas. The maximum amount an applicant may receive is $175,000. The grants are not provided directly to businesses or individuals. Instead, qualified organizations receiving these grants will provide technical assistance and training to socially disadvantaged rural businesses or agricultural producers. This technical assistance may include leadership training and support developing feasibility studies, business plans, and strategic plans.
Cooperatives, groups of cooperatives, and cooperative development centers that serve socially disadvantaged groups are eligible to apply. USDA defines a socially disadvantaged group as one whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity without regard to their individual qualities. Applicants can be based in any area, but the organizations they serve must be in an eligible rural area.
Applications must be received by August 1, 2017. In Oregon, applications should be submitted to the USDA Rural Development State Office:
USDA Rural Development
ATTN: Eben Fisher, Business and Cooperative Programs
1220 SW 3rd Avenue
Suite 1801
Portland, OR 97204
For additional information and details on how to apply, see page 26426 of the June 7, 2017, Federal Register. Questions related to USDA Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grants in Oregon may be directed to Brandon Doyle, Business and Cooperative Programs Specialist, (541) 923-4385 extension 126. Those with project proposals outside of Oregon should contact USDA Rural Development in the corresponding state.