Applications are being encouraged under the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program. On a competitive basis, the RBDG program will make Enterprise and Opportunity grants eligible to public bodies, private nonprofit corporations, institutions of higher education and rural cooperatives. Public bodies include States, counties, cities, townships, incorporated towns, authorities, and Indian tribes. 

Enterprise grants may be used for the acquisition or development of land, equipment, capitalization of revolving loan funds, training and technical assistance. Any project funded by an enterprise grant should benefit small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Opportunity grants may be used for community economic development, technology-based economic development, feasibility studies and business plans, leadership and entrepreneur training, and long-term business strategic planning. RBDG funds will be available on a statewide basis and set-aside funding for Native American and REAP Zone projects. Application deadlines and program funding will be determined at a future date. Please contact our office for further information.