U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

USDA Seeks Project Proposals to Support Rural Nebraska Businesses

Name
Vicki Schurman
Email
vicki.schurman@ne.usda.gov
Phone
(402) 437-5563
City
Lincoln
Release Date

USDA Rural Development Nebraska Acting State Director Denise Meeks has announced that Nebraska is seeking project proposals for the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program.  

RBDG funds are designed to support rural businesses and may be used for targeted technical assistance; training and training facilities, to conduct economic development planning; and for the establishment of revolving loan funds.  Eligible applicants include towns, communities, state agencies, non-profit corporations, Federally-recognized Tribes, and institutions of higher learning.

“The many uses of RBDG funds promotes long-term economic growth in rural areas and allows entrepreneurs the opportunity to access various types of assistance, which can guide small businesses through the challenges of starting up or expanding,” said Meeks.  “Our investments through the RBDG program will help to create jobs and business opportunities, which can foster a stronger economy and increase the livelihood of the rural communities in Nebraska.”

For example, through the use of the RBDG program, the Keith County Area Development (KCAD), in Ogallala, NE, received funding to start a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF).  KCAD was funded $60,000 and worked with local partners to leverage an additional $85,000 to make a strong revolving loan fund capable of assisting many small businesses operating in Keith County, NE.  KCAD and its partners believe the new RLF will have a major impact on the success of business retention and expansion in Keith County.  KCAD’s project will provide access to gap financing that many businesses need in order to expand and will allow startups that are short on capital to get off the ground.

RBDG Project proposals are due by close of business, 4:30 pm, Friday, April 7, 2017. All project proposals are to be sent to Brant Richardson at brant.richardson@ne.usda.gov . 

To discuss applicant and project eligibility or to request a project proposal form, please contact one of the following Business Programs Specialists.