Dover, DE October 20, 2006 – Senator Thomas Carper and representatives from USDA Rural Development announced a grant in the amount of $115,000 to Delaware State University to support education for small businesses in rural Delaware.

"Delaware State University has a wonderful tradition of providing education to individuals, entrepreneurs, and rural communities," said Senator Thomas Carper. "Today’s grant will help Delaware State University to continue this important work to support Delaware’s leaders of tomorrow."

USDA Rural Development has a rich history of working together with 1890 land-grant-universities throughout the country to ensure that they have the dollars needed to promote and support education for current and future small businesses and cooperatives. The grant to Delaware State University allows the Delaware Center for Enterprise Development (DCED) that is located in the School of Management, to offer programs that will prepare a new generation of leaders.

USDA Rural Development State Director Marlene Elliott said, "Small businesses are important to our rural economy and this grant is an extension of the many programs that we have available to help create and retain jobs in rural communities. The Bush Administration is committed to advancing the prosperity of rural America and that is reflected today by returning the people’s money home to expand rural business opportunities."

This grant is 1 of 14 that was recently announced by USDA Rural Development. Altogether, $1.5 million was returned to 1890 land-grant-universities so they can provide the technical assistance and opportunities for business building throughout the areas they serve. Just to our south, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, located in Princess Anne, Maryland -- received a $100,000 grant through this initiative.

###