Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program:

PURPOSE

The Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program is designed to fund Technical Assistance for business and Economic Planning Activities. The Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program is specifically designed to improve economic conditions in areas with a population of 50,000 or less. Requests for funding are limited to $50,000 per project.

ELIGIBILITY

Public Bodies

Indian Tribes

Non-Profit Corporation

Cooperative with members from primarily rural areas

INELIGIBLE

Fund political activities

Paying judgment on debt owed to the United States

Pay costs of real estate acquisition or development or building construction

Pay costs of preparing the application package for funding under this program

Pay costs of the project incurred prior to the effectiveness date of a Rural Business Opportunity Grant

Duplicating current services or substitute support previously provided. If the current  service is inadequate, however, grant funds may be used to expand the level of effort of services beyond what is currently being provided

Pay for assistance to any private business enterprise which does not have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either citizens or the United States or reside in the United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence

FUND USE

Conduct local community or multi-county economic development planning

Identify, train, and provide technical assistance to existing or perspective rural entrepreneurs and managers

Establish business support centers and otherwise assist in the creation of new rural businesses

Pay reasonable fees and charges for professional services necessary to conduct the technical assistance, training, or planning functions.

Conduct leadership development training of existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers

Establish centers for training, technology, and trade that will provide training to rural businesses using interactive communications technologies to develop international trade opportunities and markets

Identify and analyze business opportunities that will use local rural materials or human resources including: opportunities in export markets, and feasibility and business plans studies

APPLY TODAY

Contact USDA’s Rural Development – Mississippi ’s State Office to request a Rural Business Opportunity Grant Application.