We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.
The grant program is designed to provide technical assistance and training to support small rural businesses, with a focus on businesses that have fewer than 50 workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue. The program offers two types of grants: Opportunity and Enterprise grants. Opportunity grants focus on a limited range of initiatives, with a cap on funding, while Enterprise grants support a broader array of projects benefiting small and emerging businesses in rural areas. Supported activities include training and technical assistance, infrastructure development, acquisition of land and equipment, pollution control, the capitalization of revolving loan funds, distance learning, transportation improvements, economic development, technology-based development, feasibility studies, entrepreneur training, business incubators, and strategic planning. Priority is given to smaller funding requests, and there is no requirement for cost sharing.