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Texas

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced last week that USDA is accepting applications to support economic development and create jobs for people in rural America.

USDA is making this funding available under the Rural Business Development Grant program to support business opportunities or business enterprise projects in rural communities. Eligible entities are rural towns, communities, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, public institutions of higher education, and non-profit cooperatives. Individual and for-profit businesses are not eligible for this grant.

Business opportunity projects are used to identify and analyze business opportunities that will use local rural materials or human resources. These projects must be consistent with local and area-wide community and economic development strategic plans. Projects must also support other economic development activities in the project area. They may include establishing business support centers or financing job training and leadership development in rural areas. Enterprise projects include the repair or modernization of buildings, technical assistance such as feasibility studies or business plans, or equipment purchases for leasing to small or emerging businesses.

In fiscal year 2023, USDA anticipates that part of the funding may be set aside for federally recognized native American tribes, Rural Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities/Rural Economic Area Partnerships, projects located in persistent poverty areas (including those of Native Americans), and Strategic Economic and Community Development projects. Eligible applicants for the persistent poverty and SECD set-aside funds must demonstrate that 100% of the benefits of an approved grant will assist beneficiaries in the designated areas.

Applications for grants, including all set-aside funds, must be submitted in paper or electronic format to the USDA Rural Development Area Office servicing the area where the project is located in Texas by 4:30 p.m. local time on Feb. 28, 2023. For additional information, visit Grants.gov or see page 71571 of the Nov. 23, 2022, Federal Register. 

USDA Rural Development encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance key priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration to help rural America build back better and stronger. Key priorities include creating new and better markets, addressing the impacts of climate change, and advancing equity in rural America. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.  

To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Texas Rural Development State Office
101 South Main Street, Suite 102
Temple, Texas  76501
Phone:  (254) 742-9700
Fax:  (844) 496-8123

Questions about Multifamily Housing ProgramsCall 1-800-292-8293

Rural Development Success Stories

High Speed Heroes Keeping Rural Texans Connected

Embracing remote work can be a game-changer for rural America, but it requires robust infrastructure and reliable internet connectivity. As remote work becomes more common, high-speed internet will allow Italy to compete for residents seeking a slower pace of life outside of the city.

Known as "The Biggest Little Town in Texas" the beautiful town is living up to it's big name attracting more residents thanks to the town's improved high-speed internet. 

Resources

Check Eligibility Check a home, town or service location to verify eligibility for Rural Programs

Manage your USDA Loan You can create an account and manage your current loan through the Customer Service Center (CSC) portal. You can also contact the CSC at 800-414-1226

View All Resources