Travel GuideThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a federal executive department that aids farmers and food producers with the sale of crops and food, both locally and internationally.
It aims to propose programs and execute policies and regulations that have to do with American farming, forestry, ranching, food quality, and nutrition.
This federal body offers nice grants to small rural businesses to help build their various businesses and invariably boost the nation’s economy. The different grant programs have their respective eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Therefore, it is up to you to learn as much as you can about them so your business or organization can benefit from them.
On that note, do well to Apply for these USDA grants in the USA now.
Apply for These USDA Grants in the USA now
Value-Added Producer Grants
This is a great program that is designed to aid agricultural producers enter value-added activities to get new products, create and increase marketing opportunities, and raise producer income. This program is part of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), an umbrella program initiated under the 2018 Farm Bill. It provides up to $31 million in funding. This grant is usually awarded through a national competition.
Funds gotten here can be used for planning activities or for working capital expenses that has to do with manufacturing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. The program is authorized under section 231 of the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-224).
Eligible Applicants
- Independent producers.
- Agricultural producer groups.
- Farmer- or rancher-cooperatives.
The Application Process
Every fiscal year, applications for this grant are asked for through a notice posted in the Federal Register. To apply, ensure to go through the materials found in the register.
Also, it is important to note that, before applying, you have to be pre-registered with the System for Award Management (SAM).
Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants
This program offers loans and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to bring about advancements that will make energy more efficient. Eligible projects are ones situated in rural areas with populations of not more than 50,000 residents, and such projects, if approved for funds, will receive up to 50% of the project costs (in grant), and up to 75% of the project costs (in loan).
Funds obtained from this program may be used to buy and install renewable energy systems such as Hydrogen, small and large solar generation, Biomass, Ocean generation, etc. Awardees may also use the funds for procurement, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements such as lighting, insulation, doors and windows, and so on. Visit their website for information on how to apply.
Eligibility Requirements
- To apply for this program, applicants must:
- Be an agricultural producer or a small business.
- Be located in one of the eligible areas.
- Be a private for-profit entity, a cooperative, an electric utility, or a tribal corporation.
- Have zero outstanding federal tax or debt.
- Be an entity that produces farm products and gets at least half of their gross income from agricultural work.
- Meet the Small Business Administration size standards in agreement with 13 CFR 121.
Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)
Authorized by the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (ConAct), RBDG is a beneficial program that offers funding to qualified entities to aid economic growth and the augmentation of rural businesses.
The goal is to boost the economy and create jobs. Applications will be contested in two categories – business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants. These grants can be used to finance different business and community projects that benefit rural areas.
Public Body/Government Entity, an Indian Tribe, or a Nonprofit entity that mainly serves rural areas may apply for this program. There is no limit placed on the amount that may be granted.
Types of Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) projects
1. Opportunity-type grants: Funding here is limited to up to 10% of the overall RBDG yearly funding. It can be used for:
- The procurement or development of land, easements, or rights of way.
- Pollution control.
- Rural transportation improvement.
- Rural business incubators, e.t.c.
2. Enterprise-type grants: Funds gotten here must be spent on projects to aid small businesses in rural areas. They can be used for:
- Leadership and entrepreneur training.
- Rural business incubators.
- Community economic development, and so on.
How To Apply
Applicants can submit their applications through USDA Rural Development’s local or state offices. You will have to fill out the required paperwork and conform to the terms and conditions of the award. Additional information can be obtained from your local or state office.
Community Connect Grants
This program is designed to help provide broadband service in rural communities where it is desperately needed but can’t be afforded. This goal is achieved by awarding financial aid to qualified applicants whose projects can help rural residents access the massive potential of the Internet for jobs, education, healthcare, public safety, and community development.
Eligible applicants include Federally-recognized Tribes, states and local units of government, incorporated organizations, and so on; and eligible areas are rural areas that don’t have any current broadband speed of at least 10Mbps downstream and 1Mbps upstream. Visit the USDA official website for information on how to apply.
Funds gotten from this program may be used to build, buy, or rent infrastructure, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service for:
- All participating vital community infrastructure.
- All residential and business customers are found within the Proposed Funded Service Area (PFSA).
Eligibility Requirements
- Awardees must possess legal authority to provide, build, run and maintain the proposed facilities or services.
- Buildings erected using grant funds must be situated on property possessed by the awardee.
- Collaborations with other federal, state, local, private and non-profit entities are supported.
In Summary:
Do a thorough perusal of the various USDA grants discussed in this article and more, to help you secure the funds needed to finance your project or build your business.
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