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USDA Seeks Applications to Support Rural Businesses and Create Jobs in Minnesota

Name
Nikki Gillespie
City
ST. PAUL
Release Date

USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer today announced that USDA is seeking applications for the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program. Applications for Minnesota projects are due by close of business on March 31, 2016.

   “Rural small businesses and entrepreneurs are vital to the continued economic sustainability of rural communities,” Landkamer said. “This funding helps to ensure that we provide the resources necessary to assist rural and Tribal communities throughout the state to remain competitive and create new job opportunities.”

   RBDG is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues. Programmatic activities are separated into enterprise or opportunity type grant activities.

   Funding is available to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized Tribes to finance and facilitate business opportunity or business enterprise projects that serve rural areas. Examples of business opportunity projects include, but are not limited to: community or technology-based economic development, feasibility studies and business plans, and leadership and entrepreneur training. Examples of business enterprise projects include, but are not limited to: acquisition or development of land, project planning, technical assistance, pollution control and abatement, feasibility studies and business plans, capitalization of revolving loan funds, and distance adult learning for job training and advancement.

   In fiscal year 2015, USDA awarded nearly $750,000 for seven grants to help support the start-up or expansion of rural Minnesota small businesses through the RBDG program. For example, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa was awarded a $91,340 grant to provide technical assistance to local existing and prospective rural entrepreneurs. This funding will assist nine businesses and create 21 new jobs.

   The 2014 Farm Bill provides up to 10 percent set-aside funds for RBDG projects that support strategic economic development or community development plans.

   For more information on the RBDG program or help with an application, please visit www.rd.usda.gov/mn and contact your local area office.