A friend from TN Sent this. I’m sure there’s a variant for your state. Rural areas are increasingly relying on telecommuting and self-employment to replace wages lost as industry moves outside the US. These monies tend to go to the well connected and those with time to fill out the mind numbing forms. As result, big agencies get them, not individuals. There may, however, be funded groups in your area who can help you start a business, get access to markets for your products, or otherwise help your business grow. My question… will these nationwide grants do as much as ebay, craigslist, or other non-governmental initiatives to accomplish the same goals?
WASHINGTON–USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Thomas C. Dorr today invited applications for four programs targeted to rural job creation, business development and small minority producers.
“These programs are vital to rural economies because they promote entrepreneurship and help local businesses get access to capital, technical assistance and new markets for their products and services,” Dorr said. “Helping rural businesses succeed is a fundamental part of USDA Rural Development’s mission.”
The four programs for which applications are now being accepted are the:
Rural Economic Development Loan Program that provides zero-interest capital for rural electric systems to finance business start-ups or expansions and to establish revolving loan funds for programs that promote job creation in their service area. In Tennessee last year, almost $3.7 in zero-interest loans were made through this program. Funding available nationally in 2008 is $33 million. Funds are awarded on a nationally competitive basis. The application deadlines are March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008.
Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program that provides funding for public and non-profit organizations to provide training, technical assistance and strategic planning to improve local economic conditions through business development. In Tennessee last year, grants totaling almost $140,000 were awarded through this program. Funding available nationally in 2008 is $2.6 million. Funds are awarded on a nationally competitive basis. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2008.
Small Minority Producer Grants Program provides funding for business development programs run by cooperative associations with at least 75 percent minority representation among their membership or governing board. Funding available nationally in 2008 is $1.4 million. Funds are awarded on a nationally competitive basis. The deadline for applications is April 8, 2008.
Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program provides rural residents with start-up assistance to form new cooperative businesses or to improve the operations of existing rural cooperative businesses. Funding available nationally in 2008 is $4.4 million. The application deadline is April 8, 2008.
Further details about eligibility and the application process are available in the Federal Register online at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr. Use the Quick Search option typing in the program name and “2008, Volume 73.”
“Businesses are the backbone of rural communities, providing jobs, leadership and a healthy economic environment,” said RD State Director Mary Ruth Tackett. “We hope eligible organizations and businesses will take advantage of these funding opportunities.”
USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities in Tennessee by investing financial and technical assistance through rural housing, community and business development programs. In Fiscal Year 2007 Rural Development assisted more than 600,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $308 million in financial assistance through loans and grants.
For more information or for assistance with the application process for any of the funding opportunities outlined above contact the nearest local Rural Development Area Office.
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