Overview

The program is intended to support and facilitate the development of small and emerging private business enterprises in rural areas either directly or through the use of a revolving loan fund.

Benefits

Grant program for development projects located in small communities

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants: Non-profit corporations and public bodies such as municipalities, counties and special purpose districts. The applicant must have the legal authority to carry out the purposes of the proposed grant.

Eligible Areas: Incorporated communities under 50,000 population and not adjacent to urban areas. Check applicant location eligibility at: http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

Priorities:

• Communities with a population of 25,000 or less.
• Areas of high unemployment as compared to state average.
• Areas where median household income is less than state average.
• Applicants having experience in administering a rural development program similar to the proposal.
• Applicants having an industry or business committed to locate or expand.
• Applicants having a substantial commitment of funds from non-federal sources.
• Grant requests less than $100,000

Rates/Terms

Acquisition of land and rights; construction of buildings, plants, machinery, equipment, access roads, parking areas and utilities; start-up costs; technical assistance; professional service fees for project development; and establishment of revolving loan funds.

The funds can be used jointly with funds furnished by the grantee or from other sources.

Contact

Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber at 330.392.6140

USDA Rural Development Offices at 330-830-7700 or 614-255-2420