Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grants

RFP Summary provided by the agency

The RISE Grant Program meets a recognized need for federal support of jobs accelerator partnerships for the promotion of private investment in regional economies. The flexible use of funds by RISE grant recipients allows a region to leverage their community assets by assisting new and existing industry, establish and operate innovation centers for job development and training, including through the use of new or improved broadband service by jobs accelerators. The RISE program will improve the ability of rural communities to create high-wage jobs, accelerate the formation of rural businesses, and strengthen regional economies.

The RISE project must serve a rural region small enough to allow close collaboration among partners. It also must include essential elements of the region’s prioritized industry cluster (concentrations of related industries).

RISE grant funds can be used to:

• Build or support a business incubator facility
• Provide worker training to assist in the creation of new jobs
• Train the existing workforce with skills for higher-paying jobs
• Develop a base of skilled workers and improve their opportunities to obtain high-wage jobs in new or existing local industries

The RBCS Administrator may award points to projects that will advance the key priorities, learn more at Rural Developments Key Priorities.

Useful links

• Frequently Asked Questions http://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/risefrequentlyaskedquestions.pdf
• Before You Apply  https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/notice_please_read_prior_to_filing_rise.docx

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

Economic, Workforce Development

How do you submit to this opportunity?

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the materials, including application deadlines, found in the Notice of Funding Availability. Applications are submitted through https://www.grants.gov.

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