USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Administrator Sam Rikkers today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to provide assistance to socially disadvantaged business groups in rural areas.
“Rural America is an incredibly diverse place with many types of businesses and business owners participating in the economy,” Rikkers said. “This funding will give small, rural businesses the technical assistance they need to compete in the global marketplace.”
José Otero-García, USDA Rural Development State Director for Puerto Rico indicated that the funding is being provided through the Socially Disadvantage Group Grant (SDGG) Program. USDA provides grants to local cooperatives and other organizations that provide technical assistance to socially disadvantage groups in rural areas. Examples of technical assistance include providing leadership training, conducting feasibility studies and developing business and strategic plans.
Recipients eligible for these grants include groups of cooperatives, individual cooperatives or development centers that serve socially disadvantaged groups. The cooperatives or development centers can be based in any area, but the groups that receive technical assistance must be located in an eligible rural area. USDA is encouraging applications for projects in census tracts with poverty rates of 20% or higher.
USDA is making $3 million in grants available. The maximum award a recipient may receive is $175,000. All grants are awarded through a national competition. More information on how to apply can be found on page 36254 of the June 6, 2016 Federal Register. Applications must be submitted by August 5, 2016 or electronically by August 1, 2016.
For additional information, please, contact Ms. Danna Quiles at (787) 766-5355, 766-5363, 766-5379, 766-5412 or visit our web www.rd.usda.gov/pr .