USDA Seeking Applications for Rural Business Development Grant

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Stan Gruszynski announced the USDA is seeking applications for grants to support rural businesses and help create jobs.

“Our mission is to support and contribute to the economic viability of rural communities and help them build toward the future,” Gruszynski said. “Too often, rural businesses and the communities they serve lack access to the capital and resources they need to grow and thrive. These grants will help remedy that and provide access to planning, mentoring and other services that can help to ensure their success.”

Under the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program, funds can be used to acquire or develop land, buildings, plants and equipment; build or improve access roads, parking areas, utility extensions, and water and waste disposal facilities; provide technical assistance; establish revolving loan funds; and to support rural distance learning programs for educational or job training.

Congress established the RBDG program under the 2014 Farm Bill by combining USDA’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) and Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) programs. The new program, like its predecessors, is designed to assist the startup or expansion of small and emerging private businesses and/or non-profits in rural communities.

Eligible applicants include public bodies, government entities, federally recognized tribes and non-profit organizations.

The application deadline is March 31, 2016. For additional information on how to apply, contact the USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Office at 715.345.7610 or R[email protected]. Application instructions and related forms are available at rd.usda.gov/wi. Applications must be sent to the USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Office, 5417 Clem’s Way, Stevens Point, WI 54482.