We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.
The grant program offers technical assistance and training specifically aimed at small rural businesses. To qualify, businesses must have fewer than 50 new workers and gross revenues under $1 million. The program prioritizes projects benefiting rural areas or towns near cities with populations over 50,000. With no maximum grant amount set, smaller requests are given higher priority. Funding can be applied through two project types: Opportunity and Enterprise grants. While Opportunity grants focus on a broad range of development activities, including community and technological development, feasibility studies, and training, Enterprise grants target projects that directly benefit small and emerging businesses through actions such as training, land development, pollution control, and the capitalization of revolving loan funds, among others. This comprehensive approach addresses various aspects of rural business development from infrastructure to strategic planning, aiming to uplift and empower rural communities through sustainable economic growth.