Grant funding available for rural projects

Grant funding is available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development Grant Program, with $27.7 million available for business and community initiatives that promote economic growth and job creation.

Eligible applicants include rural cooperatives, state government agencies, towns and communities, nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher learning, and federally recognized tribes. Individuals and for-profit businesses or organizations are not eligible to apply.

Applications will be scored and awarded in two separate categories: business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants.

Business opportunity grants may be used for business support centers, technology-based economic development, leadership and entrepreneur training, feasibility studies, business plans, long-term strategic planning, and other eligible activities.

Business enterprise grants may be used for training and technical assistance, project planning, business counseling, market research, feasibility studies, and product or service improvements; buying or developing land, easements or rights of way including access streets and parking areas; constructing or renovating buildings; buying machinery and equipment; capitalizing revolving loan funds; and supporting rural business incubators, community economic development and other eligible activities.

Electronic applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. through Grants.gov on the due date most applicable to the project. The Rural Business Development Grant Program has two closing dates: June 15 for strategic economic and community development applications and June 30 for the remainder of applicants.

For more information on how to apply, visit www.Grants.gov or contact a local USDA Rural Development Office.