Resources

Resources for Rural Entrepreneurs
U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA Rural Development NEW guide to support rural entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen America’s economy.

USDA Launches Major Initiative for Climate Smart Agriculture
USDA Radio News

Radio clip highlights this new programUSDA NRCS- Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities–Building Markets and Investing in America’s Climate-Smart Farmers, Ranchers & Forest Owners to Strengthen U.S. Rural and Agricultural Communities. Application Deadlines: 4/8/2022 and 5/27/2022.

USDA Expands Access to Four Key Loan Programs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development is expanding access to four loan guarantee programs that provide funding to help rural communities create jobs and improve local infrastructure.

Tribal Treaty Database
Various Organizations
USDA in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Oklahoma State University and the USDA Hall of Tribal Nations offer this informational database.

USDA Emergency Rural Health Care Grant - Comments Requested
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development seeks comments on the Emergency Rural Health Care Grant, which provides emergency funding to help rural hospitals and local communities increase access to COVID-19 vaccines, health care services (including telehealth) and other support for the long-term sustainability. Comment Deadline: 3/4/22.

Charging Forward: A Toolkit for Planning and Funding Rural Electric Mobility Infrastructure U.S. Department of Transportation
Guidance to assist rural community members, towns, businesses, planning agencies and others identify key project partners and funding/financing to make their Electronic Vehicle project a reality.

Investing in Rural Recovery: Findings from a Rapid Assessment of Stakeholder Priorities for Rural Development
Regional Rural Development Centers
Findings from a survey on key priorities and critical investments for rural communities regarding recovery and growth. Indicators of Broadband Need Digital Map The National Telecommunications & Information Administration developed a mapping tool with multiple data sources to help users better understand the digital divide and connection between poverty and the lack of broadband.

Events and Learning Opportunities

USDA Rural Development Events:

2/16: National Entrepreneurship Week discussion on how USDA Rural Development assists small businesses and entrepreneurs

2/24-2/25: Agricultural Outlook Forum -- Sign up now!

Recorded: USDA Presents: Access to Capital in Rural America for Non-Regulated Lenders and the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative.

Find past workshop recordings at the USDA Rural Development YouTube Channel 


Other Learning Opportunities:

2/17: SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership-Virtual Women’s Business Center Grant Program Applicant Workshop

2/23: BroadbandUSA–NTIA’s Deep Dive into the Digital Equity Act Programs & Parameters under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

2/24: ARC’s INSPIRE Pre-Application Workshop for the Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems Program. Letter of Intent Deadline: 3/3/2022

3/1-3/24: Project for Public Spaces: How to Create Successful Markets

4/4-4/7: Appalachian Regional Commission Outdoor Economy Conference

5/2-5/5: 2022 National Outdoor Recreation Conference