USDA News:WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Rural Development Acting Deputy Undersecretary Roger Glendenning announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help socially disadvantaged agricultural producers and rural business owners.
“These grants help ensure that rural business owners have what they need to succeed in today’s competitive, global economy,” Glendenning said. “According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses employ more than half of all U.S. workers. Their success is vital to the nation’s economy.”
USDA is awarding up to $3 million in grants through the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant program to help small businesses retain and create jobs in rural areas. USDA defines a socially disadvantaged group as one whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because of their identity without regard to their individual qualities.
Eligible grant recipients include cooperatives, groups of cooperatives and cooperative development centers that serve socially disadvantaged groups.
Examples of technical assistance include leadership training, and support to develop feasibility studies, business plans and strategic plans. Recipients can be based in any area, but the businesses or organizations they serve must be in an eligible rural area.
For information on how to apply for these grants, see page 26426 of the June 7 Federal Register. The deadline to submit paper applications is Aug. 1, 2017.
Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due July 25, 2017. For additional information and assistance, contact the USDA Rural Development Office serving your county.
Also, in New Mexico you can contact Ms. Jesse Bopp at: 505.761.4952 or can e-mail her at jesse.bopp@nm.usda.gov for guidance to apply for this program.
