Rural Business Development Grants
USDA
Funding Amount
Varies (There is no maximum grant amount; however, smaller requests are given higher priority)
Matching Funds
Funding Cycle
The deadline to submit application was April 19, 2023. Unknown when grant application will re-open
Description
There are two types of RBDG projects, Opportunity grants and Enterprise grants. Opportunity type grants are limited to up to 10 percent of the total Rural Business Development Grant annual funding. Enterprise type grants must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application
How may Enterprise type funds be used?
- Training and technical assistance, such as project planning, business counseling and training, market research, feasibility studies, professional or/technical reports, or producer service improvements
- Acquisition or development of land, easements, or rights of way; construction, conversion, renovation of buildings; plants, machinery, equipment, access for streets and roads; parking areas and utilities
- Pollution control and abatement
- The capitalization of revolving loan funds, including funds that will make loans for start-ups and working capital
- Rural distance learning for job training and advancement for adult students
- Rural transportation improvement
- Community economic development
- Technology-based economic development
- Feasibility studies and business plans
- Leadership and entrepreneur training
- Rural business incubators
- Long-term business strategic planning
How may Opportunity type funds be used?
- Community economic development
- Technology-based economic development
- Feasibility studies and business plans
- Leadership and entrepreneur training
- Rural business incubators
- Long-term business strategic planning
Who Can Apply
Who may apply for this program?
Rural public entities including, but not limited to:
- Towns
- Communities
- State agencies
- Authorities
- Nonprofit corporations
- Institutions of higher education
- Federally-recognized tribes
- Rural cooperatives (if organized as a private nonprofit corporation)
What is an eligible area?
- Rural Business Development Grant money must be used for projects that benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more
How to apply?
- Applications are accepted through USDA Rural Developmentās local or state offices once per year. Applicants are advised to view program information specific to your local or state office to learn about local application timelines, concept paper requirements, etc
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Location(s)
National
Additional Information
For additional information and/or questions, contact your local or state office under the contact section on webpage
