We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.
This grant program is focused on providing technical assistance and training to small and emerging rural businesses. It defines "small" businesses as those having fewer than 50 new employees and less than $1 million in gross revenue. The grant gives preference to smaller funding requests without a mandatory cost-sharing component. Utilization of funds spans a broad spectrum, including but not limited to training and technical assistance, land and equipment acquisition, pollution control, capital for revolving loan funds, distance learning for job training, infrastructure improvements, community economic development, and support for technology-based economic development. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the importance of feasibility studies, business plans, leadership and entrepreneur training, rural business incubators, and long-term strategic planning.