Success Stories

Happy Homeowner Thanks to USDA Home Repair Loan

Delois Dotson of Hardeman County was in need of home repairs that she could not afford. Last year, Dotson heard about USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants program through WBOL Radio… more

Dream of Homeownership Becomes Reality

Earlier this year, Nancy Griffin of Dyer County decided she no longer wanted to rent an apartment that was too small for her family. With the idea of wanting a bigger home, she set out to explore what financing options were available.

Local, State, Federal Partnership Helps Homeowner

Debbie Wright, City Recorder for the Town of Big Sandy, set out with a goal earlier this year to find a way to help very low income homeowners in Big Sandy and the Benton County Area obtain affordable financing to complete necessary home repairs.  Mrs. Wright contacted Mary Hickman, Area… more

Solar Energy Powers Year-Round Greens Production

Baby Greens, a farm located in Kingston, Rhode Island, is putting a convenient spin on the term “farm to table.” The chemical-free organic farm produces a mixture of salad greens that owner Jeffery Kamminga hand delivers to local homes and businesses year round.

Photo of Mike and Candy Seely standing in one of their mint fields

With Value Added Production & Professional Marketing, Small Family Farm Achieves National Brand Recognition

Mike and Candy Seely, third generation mint farmers in northwestern Oregon, saw their revenue begin to dry up when gum, toothpaste, candy, and breath mint manufacturers turned to synthetic flavoring. As this small family operation searched for new markets, they discovered the popularity of the… more

Small Businesses Get Smart Energy Savings Thanks to USDA

Reducing a business’ energy cost can have a big impact not only for the business but also for the community. Two Bozeman, Montana businesses, the Community Food Cooperative and Bozeman Brewing Company, Inc., received USDA Rural… more

Emerson Center For Arts and Culture Gets Long-Term Support

The Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture in Bozeman, Montana provides work and retail space for nearly 60 art and culture related businesses. Emerson needed operating funds and financing to upgrade its facilities. Thanks to a Business… more

Bethany Lutheran Home for the Aged LLC

USDA Supported Project Helps South Dakota Seniors Improve Their Quality of Life

Brandon, South Dakota, with a population of about 9,000, has seen significant growth in the last decade, including the area of senior care. There are two assisted living communities in Brandon, but there has never been a nursing home. This has put strain on both patients and their families.

Heather Gallagher in Home

Natural Building of Homes and Partnerships in Utah

Heather Gallagher has traveled the world to rock climb in as many locations as she can manage. Even so, in all her travels she kept returning to Moab, Utah. In 2002 she decided to make the small town her permanent home. “I know this is the place I want to be at,” she said. The one thing that… more

City of Manning Iowa’s Small Business Community of the Year

With a population of around 1,500 residents, leaders in the southwest Carroll County community of Manning are not striving to become one of the biggest cities in western Iowa, just one of the best.