We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.
The grant program is designed to support small rural businesses through technical assistance and training, especially those with fewer than 50 workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue. Although there is no maximum grant amount set for 2024, requests for smaller amounts are prioritized, with no cost sharing required. The program focuses on projects that benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas, covering a wide range of uses from training and technical assistance to the development of land and facilities, pollution control, capitalization of revolving loan funds, distance adult learning, transportation improvement, community economic development, technology-based development, feasibility studies, business plans, leadership and entrepreneur training, rural business incubators, and long-term strategic planning. Opportunity grants have a specific cap at 10 percent of the total annual funding and are targeted towards similar goals aimed at fostering economic growth and support for small businesses in rural regions.