USDA Now Accepting Rural Business Development Grant Applications

USDA Rural Development in Delaware/Maryland is currently accepting applications for the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program.

The deadline for applications is 4:30pm EST, March 31, 2020. All applicants are encouraged to contact their state office to discuss project ideas prior to completing an application. Electronic and hard copy applications will be accepted until the deadline. Please note, late applications will not be accepted.

RBDG funds can be used to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. However, individual businesses are not eligible to apply. Funding is instead provided to public entities (municipalities, nonprofits, authorities, Federally-recognized Tribes, etc.) and used to benefit rural areas.

To learn more about this extremely flexible program and the wide variety of economic development projects it can support, please review the RBDG webpage.

The Rural Business Development Grant (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.

To discuss your project ideas, ask questions, or to receive a copy of the RBDG application toolkit, please contact:

Business and Cooperative Programs: 302.857.3628

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov