Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG)

Type: Grants

Max award: There is no max award, but smaller projects receive priority points

Big idea: The RBEG program funds projects that facilitate the development of small and emerging rural businesses, distance learning networks, and employment-related adult education programs.

Who can apply: Local and state governments and authorities, Indian tribes and non-profit organizations are eligible to reply. For the purposes of this program a "rural community" is an area where the population does not exceed 50,000, or is next to a city or town with more than 50,000 people.

Real examples: The Glynwood Center, located in the Hudson River Valley of New York, developed a mobile livestock unit to provide local ranchers access to slaughter and processing equipment and, ultimately, local markets. USDA awarded Glynwood a $99,800 Rural Business Enterprise Grant to weatherize the mobile unit, as well as to hire a coordinator to assist with logistics and marketing.

Possibilities: Regarding business development, RBEGs may fund a broad array of activities including:

• Acquisition or development of land;
• Construction, conversion, or renovation of buildings;
• Purchase of machinery and equipment, including refrigerators and processing equipment;
• Capitalization of revolving loan funds;
• Provision of training and technical assistance (unless related to agricultural production);
• Project planning.

Get more information: For more program information click here, and to apply for any USDA Rural Development program contact your state or local office here.