Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)

RFP Summary provided by the agency

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. Programmatic activities are separated into enterprise or opportunity type grant activities.

RBDG funds must be directed for projects benefiting rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more. Check eligible areas.

January 19, 2023, update: Rural Transportation Technical Assistance.

This notice is to invite applications for grants to provide technical assistance for passenger rural transportation (RT) systems under the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program and the terms for such funding. Grant funds will provide technical assistance for RT systems including designated funds to provide technical assistance to RT systems operating within Tribal lands of Federally Recognized Native American Tribes (FRNAT) 

The purpose of this program is to improve the economic conditions of Rural Areas by providing technical assistance that will enhance the operation of rural transportation systems.

Due Date April 19, 2023.

Enterprise type grant funds must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application. Uses may include:

• Training and technical assistance, such as project planning, business counseling/training, market research, feasibility studies, professional/technical reports, or 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.

Opportunity type grant funding must be used for projects in rural areas and they can be used for:

• Community economic development
• Technology-based economic development
• Feasibility studies and business plans
• Leadership and entrepreneur training
• Rural business incubators
• Long-term business strategic planning

What is the mission and focus of the program: research, social, economic or others?

Economic

How do you submit to this opportunity?

• Applications are accepted through USDA Rural Development’s local or state offices. Applicants are advised to view program information specific to your local or state office to learn about local application timelines, concept paper requirements, etc.
• Grant awardees will need to complete required paperwork and comply with the terms and conditions of the award. Contact your local or state office for details.

Who are the target applicants: cities, universities, companies, small business, nonprofits, or others?

• Towns.
• Communities.
• State agencies.
• Authorities.
• Nonprofit corporations.
• Institutions of higher education.
• Federally-recognized tribes.
• Rural cooperatives (if organized as a private nonprofit corporation).