The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program aims to stimulate economic development and job creation in rural communities. The program funds business and community projects that benefit rural areas through two grant categories: Business Opportunity and Business Enterprise grants. Eligible applicants include public bodies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations focused on serving rural areas and promoting sustainable economic growth.
- Grant Categories and Funding Uses:
- Business Opportunity Grants: These funds are designated for community economic development initiatives, technology-based economic development, feasibility studies, business planning, leadership and entrepreneur training, rural business incubators, and strategic business planning.
- Business Enterprise Grants: Enterprise funds support projects for small and emerging rural businesses, including project planning, technical assistance, land and building development, pollution control, revolving loan fund capitalization, distance learning, transportation, and other community economic development activities.
- Funding and Prioritization: There is no maximum funding cap, but smaller funding requests receive higher priority. Up to 10% of the annual RBDG funding may be allocated to Opportunity grants. Notably, no cost-sharing is required.
- Eligible Areas: RBDG funds are designated exclusively for rural projects benefiting areas with populations below 50,000 and outside urban peripheries.
- Application Deadline: Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. local time on February 28, 2025, at the USDA Rural Development State Office corresponding to the project's location.
Contact Information: For guidance on the application or to learn about local requirements, applicants may contact Cindy Mason, Loan Specialist, at 202-690-1433 or via email at cindy.mason@wdc.usda.gov.