By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a $99,000 grant to a non-profit organization in Eastern Iowa to promote rural business development.
This investment was made through the USDA's Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) program, which is designed to support small businesses and create job opportunities in rural areas.
Cindy Axne, Senior Advisor for Rural Engagement, Delivery, and Prosperity at the USDA, made the announcement during a visit to the Iowa Center for Economic Success in Des Moines.
The grant will fund the hiring of a client services coordinator who will offer one-on-one coaching, training, and technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural eastern Iowa.
The goal is to help small businesses expand, thrive, and contribute to economic growth in the region.
“Rural people and places are the backbone of this country,” Axne said. “There are many entrepreneurs in rural areas trying to create new markets and products. Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Vilsack, USDA is committed to supporting these efforts and fostering good-paying jobs in rural Iowa.”
The RBDG program promotes economic development by funding business projects that serve rural communities. These grants are awarded in two categories: business opportunity grants, which fund business training and technical support, and business enterprise grants, which focus on funding local business ventures.
Axne's announcement came as part of her tour through the Midwest to highlight recent USDA investments aimed at improving rural life.
USDA Rural Development operates 11 offices across Iowa to serve the state's 1.3 million rural residents, providing support for community and business projects.
This grant will play a key role in helping Iowa’s rural entrepreneurs succeed in a challenging economic environment, strengthening the backbone of rural communities.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy