We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.
The grant program aims to provide tailored assistance to small rural businesses through two primary types of projects: Opportunity grants and Enterprise grants. Opportunity grants focus on community economic development, technology-based development, feasibility studies, and entrepreneurial training, with a cap on funding at 10 percent of the total annual RBDG funding. Enterprise grants are directed toward projects that benefit small and emerging rural businesses, covering a wide range of activities including business training and technical assistance, land and equipment acquisition, pollution control, capitalization of revolving loan funds, as well as enhancements in rural transportation, community economic development, and technology-based development. The program prioritizes smaller funding requests and does not require cost sharing, aiming to support initiatives that promote sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation among rural businesses.