USDA provides homeownership opportunities to low- and moderate-income rural Americans through several loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs. USDA, through the Farm Service Agency, provides direct and guaranteed loans to beginning farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain financing from commercial credit sources. RMA develops and/or approves the premium rate, administers premium and expense subsidies, approves and supports products, and reinsures the companies. The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) offer a variety of financing programs for companies. Please select your state above for a list of contacts. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The capitalization of revolving loan funds, including funds that will make loans for start-ups and working capital. Official websites use .gov Â. Rural Business Development Grants support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1,000,000 in gross revenues. Rural Development promotes the President's National Energy Policy and ultimately the nation's energy security by engaging the entrepreneurial spirit of rural America in the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. Overview of USDA Rural Development Programs and Services: USDA Rural Development will share information on programs providing assistance to Rural Businesses with our portfolio of more than 40 different loan and grant programs offered through USDA Rural Development. RBDG is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues. This FTC website to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay Service) Government branch: Executive Department Sub-Office/Agency/Bureau. Enterprise grants must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar. Consistency with local economic development priorities. The https:// means all transmitted data is encrypted — in other words, any information or browsing history that you provide is transmitted securely. The .gov means it’s official. USDA provides technical assistance and financial backing for rural businesses and cooperatives to create quality jobs in rural areas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it has implemented a series of actions to make it easier for very small rural businesses to get access to capital. Applying for a grant is part of the pre-award phase and consists of three steps: Search for a funding opportunity Determine whether you and your organization are eligible for the funding opportunity you’ve identified Apply for a grant Each of the three steps varies slightly based on the type of funding (i.e. A lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. J. Craig Scroggs, Renewable Energy Coordinator for USDA Rural Development Al Burns, Business & Cooperative Specialist for USDA Rural Development 1:15 pm USDA Funding Resources for Small Businesses, Farms & Ranches • Overview of the 2014 Farm Bill • USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) • Other USDA Grants & Loans competitive grant, capacity grant, non-competitive grant) for which This Rural Development investment will be used to process, package and distribute USDA Certified Organic beef cuts. This program helps state and local governments and nonprofit agencies … Rural business development grants (RBDG) can be divided into 3 types of grants: Business opportunity, Business enterprise and Television demonstration grants. Programmatic activities are separated into enterprise or opportunity type grant activities. Grant funds may be used for: Operational costs (including rent and utilities) The FMPP was created through a recent amendment of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976. This FTC website to help you deter, … Uses may include: Training and technical assistance, such as project planning, business counseling and training, market research, feasibility studies, professional or/technical reports or producer service improvements. The programs also make funding available to individuals to finance vital improvements necessary to make their homes decent, safe, and sanitary. Rural cooperatives (if organized as a private nonprofit corporation). USDA Rural Development forges partnerships with rural communities, funding projects that bring housing, community facilities, business guarantees, utilities and other services to rural America. and counties), local government authorities and joint or multi-county development authorities in rural counties suffering from high poverty rates. Each fiscal year, the Agency targets a portion of its direct and guaranteed farm ownership (FO) and operating loan (OL) funds to beginning farmers and ranchers. This program provides grant money to assist with economic development planning and/or the financing or expansion of rural businesses.Â. Uses may include: Training and technical assistance, such as project planning, business counseling and training, market research, feasibility studies, professional or/technical reports or producer service improvements. You can learn how to avoid theft, or learn what to do if your identity is stolen. Distance adult learning for job training and advancement. Parent Agency. Small means that the business has fewer than 50 new workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue. Please select your state above to determine the deadline for applications. Vermont Business Magazine US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to offset high energy costs in rural areas.. USDA is making the funding available through the High Energy Cost Grant program. Applications are accepted through USDA Rural Development’s local or, Grant awardees will need to complete required paperwork and comply with the terms and conditions of the award. Enterprise grants must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application. Rural Development works with low-income individuals, State, local and Indian tribal governments, as well as private and nonprofit organizations and user-owned cooperatives. NOTE: If state specific forms are not shown above, please refer to the application materials listed below to start the process of applying. To complete an application for this program, you must be pre-registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) and also have a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number. Last year, we alerted our vendor community to third party companies offering to help you update information contained within the System for Award Management (www.SAM.gov) website, for a fee.  Your SAM registration contains sensitive business information, including your banking information and other sensitive information, so your login and password should not be shared with anyone outside your company.  As a reminder, the use of the System for Award Management website is free to use and update, and the Commodity Procurement Staff does not see a reason to pay anyone to provide that service.Â, Secondly, we have just become aware of a couple of scam emails that offer to “help companies start the renewal process online” or suggest that “Your Federal Profile is Almost Complete. This program is designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Visit the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Website. This will save you valuable time in the process. These programs help to provide capital, equipment, space, job training, and entrepreneurial skills that can help to start and/or grow a business. Rural public entities including, but not limited to: 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. AMS administers two organic certification cost share programs. Business Programs also support the creation and preservation of quality jobs in rural areas. RMA has three divisions: Insurance Services, Product Management, and Risk Compliance. Uses may include: Other factors are described in the current Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA), if one is published. USDA helps producers manage their business risks. Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Program This innovative program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. Training and technical assistance, such as project planning, business counseling and training, market research, feasibility studies, professional or/technical reports or producer service improvements. USDA is accepting applications to spur community and economic development in rural communities. USDA Rural Development, Room 5045-S 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20250-3201. Immediate Action Required!”  In both cases, your free access to SAM.gov will resolve any questions you may have regarding your registration in SAM.gov.  As you know SAM.gov requires an annual recertification and sends out email reminders prior to the expiration, and again, updates should be handled by company employees.  Furthermore, if your registration is not complete, you may login to SAM.gov to make that determination for yourself.Â, Please remember that SAM.gov is not affiliated with the USDA and is a government-wide website not maintained by our Agency.  If you have any questions regarding access or how to use SAM, please contact their help desk at 866-606-8220, option #1. USDA Rural Business Development Grants The USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG) Program provides grants to finance the development of small and emerging businesses in rural areas. The Department published a final rule outlining changes to the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural … Grants of $5,000-20,000 will be awarded to small businesses located in rural communities (those with a population of 50,000 or less) who have been impacted by COVID-19, with emphasis on underserved communities. RMA also sponsors educational and outreach programs and seminars on the general topic of risk. There are no other additional requirements at the national level. Loans can also be used to construct buildings or make farm improvements. Funds may be used to assist in the economic development of rural areas by providing technical assistance, training, and planning for businesses. Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants APPLICATION DEADLINES: Applications for Grants of $20,000 or Less and Loan/Grant of $20,000 or Less Combo Applications due by March 31, 2021. Loans, loan guarantees, and grants are available to individuals, businesses, cooperatives, farmers and ranchers, public bodies, non-profit corporations, Native American Tribes, … Check. Phone Number: 1-202-690-4730. The grants, authorized by the FMPP, are targeted to help improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. If you are already registered with these systems, you do not need to do it again. This matching grant program, also known as FSMIP, provides matching funds to State Departments of Agriculture and other appropriate State agencies to assist in exploring new market opportunities for food and agricultural products, and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the marketing system. Evidence showing job creation at local businesses. FSA loans can be used to purchase land, livestock, equipment, feed, seed, and supplies. USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses, and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Start Preamble AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA, ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. WASHINGTON, May 14, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it has implemented a series of actions to make it easier for very small rural businesses to … A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. As part of this mission, RMA operates and manages the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC). An official website of the United States government. To discuss any concerns related to salaries, stipends, and benefit rates and staffing levels, anticipated shortfalls or other administrative options, which may include No-Cost Extensions and change in scope, please contact NIFA at awards@usda.gov to consult with a grants specialist about the organization’s specific circumstances. Program grants fall under two categories: Enterprise In addition, rental assistance is available to eligible families. Percent of non-federal funding committed to the project. 940C. Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. Rural Development: Apply for loans, grants and loan guarantees to support essential community services or obtain funding to improve supply chain activities. The funds can be used for land acquisition, construction, renovation, technical assistance, project planning, and more. Please ensure that your state is selected in the dropdown menu above to find the State Office contact information for this program and speak to a Business Programs Specialist before attempting to fill out any forms or applications. 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. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Recipients must receive initial certification or continuation of certification from a USDA accredited certifying agent (ACA). SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA or the Department), is issuing a final rule with comment for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance … STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT USDA Expands Access to Capital for Very Small Rural Businesses . An official website of the United States government. This program was authorized by the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (ConAct). The mission of USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) is to promote, support, and regulate sound risk management solutions to preserve and strengthen the economic stability of America's agricultural producers. Each program provides cost share assistance, through participating States, to organic producers and/or organic handlers. Enterprise grants must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is now soliciting applications for loans and grants to support community development projects, business expansion and job creation for rural economic development. Sub-recipients may be a for-profit entity or non-profit. The grants are available under the Rural Development focuses on loan guarantees, grants and direct loans; SBA offers … Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants (REDLG) – Authorized by section 313 Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, 7 U.S.C. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management. $248,842.00 - GA/Meriwether - FITZGERALD FRUIT FARMS LLC This Rural Development investment will be used for market expansion to distribute locally produced agricultural food produce. Neither of these applications cost money, but they can take time so be sure to get this taken care of right away. Rural Development Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Grants, Loans, and Other Assistance Programs -19) Relief Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans Grantor: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Due: Ongoing . The Rural Business Development Grant Program is a federal grant program administered by state USDA Rural Development offices. The SCBGP is another USDA rural development grants that focuses on the improvement of US specialty crops, which include tree nuts, dried fruits, nursery crops, etc. The program provides loans and grants to microenterprise development organizations to […] Contact your local or. TRENTON, Mo., Jan. 28, 2020 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy announced USDA has invested $60.9 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure that will create or improve e-Connectivity for more than 11,000 rural households, 81 farms, 73 businesses, 16 educational facilities, 12 critical community facilities … USDA Multi-Family Housing Programs offer Rural Rental Housing Loans to provide affordable multi-family rental housing for very low-, low-, and moderate-income families; the elderly; and persons with disabilities. This site is also protected by an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that’s been signed by the U.S. government. There is no cost sharing requirement. Information: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal Experience of the grantee with similar efforts. Mission and Vision. There is no maximum grant amount; however, smaller requests are given higher priority. Opportunity grants are limited to up to 10 percent of the total Rural Business Development Grant annual funding. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar. The SCBGP funds can be requested to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. FSA makes direct and guaranteed farm ownership and operating loans to family-size farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit from a bank, Farm Credit System institution, or other lender. The .gov means it’s official. Seventeen private-sector insurance companies sell and service the policies. Resources for Small and Mid-Sized Farmers, Visit the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Website, Rural Development Loan and Grant Assistance, Federal State Marketing Improvement Program. You can find more information for the grant program from the department or agency that is responsible for your State’s agriculture affairs. If there are additional state-specific requirements they will be listed above. This program provides zero-interest loans and small grants to electric and telephone utilities eligible for financing through the RD