Rural Business Development Grants

Choose the appropriate state in the drop down menu on the top right of the program website. This will open the state specific page. Tabs at the top of the page will show general program information, forms and resources, and state specific contact information.

Federal contacts:
Lisa Sharp
202.720.1400
lisa.sharp@usda.gov

Cindy Mason
202.720.1400
cindy.mason@usda.gov

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.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Training and technical assistance, such as:
  • Project planning
  • Business counseling/training
  • Market research
  • Feasibility studies
  • Professional/technical reports
  • Product/service improvements
• Acquisition or development of land, easements, or rights of way; construction, conversion, renovation of buildings, plants, machinery, equipment, access streets and roads, parking areas, utilities
• Pollution control and abatement
• Capitalization of revolving loan funds including funds that will make loans for start-ups and working capital
• Distance adult learning for job training and advancement
• Rural transportation improvement
• Community economic development
• Technology-based economic development
• Feasibility studies and business plans
• Leadership and entrepreneur training
• Rural business incubators
• Long-term business strategic planning

Rural public entities including, but not limited to:

• Towns
• Communities
• State agencies
• Authorities
• Nonprofit corporations
• Institutions of higher education
• Federally-recognized tribes
• Rural cooperatives

There is no maximum grant amount for enterprise type grants; however, smaller requests are given higher priority. Generally, grants range from $10,000 up to $500,000.

A link to the application instructions is available on the program website and grants.gov.

Deadlines vary by state. Applications are accepted through USDA Rural Development's local or State offices once per year. Applicants should contact local or state offices to learn about local application timelines and requirements.