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USDA grants promote rural business development
USDA Rural Development is seeking applications for the Rural Business Enterprise Grant program. RBEGs are available to public bodies, nonprofit entities and Indian Tribes who desire to finance and facilitate the development of small and emerging private business enterprises in rural areas. Grants may be used for technical assistance, establishment of small business revolving loan funds and the acquisition of land, buildings, and infrastructure to enhance business development. Grants focused on revolving loan funds, assistance to Native Americans, or multi-state projects are encouraged. Grants are only eligible for projects that assist rural communities. Rural is defined as communities and cities with a population of 50,000 or less. Applications submitted for state funding are selected based on a competitive scoring process. Applications that wish to compete for the state allocated funds are due by close of business March 30. Priority will be given to application requests of $50,000 or less. Additionally, eligible initial applications will receive discretionary points for projects that support the agency and department goals in the following categories: --Local food systems and value-added agriculture; --Renewable energy; --Great regions: multi-county or multi-state projects that will establish best practices in the area of regional economic and community development; --Support of cooperatives; --Underserved populations: minority and women-owned businesses; --Ecosystem market projects; and --Access to capital markets. In fiscal year 2011, four grants totaling $284,000 were awarded in Nebraska from the state allocation. Additionally, six grants totaling $544,177 were funded from National Office reserve funds. USDA Rural Development in Nebraska expects its allocation to be between $200,000 and $300,000 in 2012, with additional funds available for Native American projects nationally. For more information regarding the RBEG program visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_rbeg.html.
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