Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)

Background
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) of the USDA is inviting applications for grants under the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program for fiscal year (FY) 2024, subject to the availability of funding. The purpose of the program is to promote economic development and job creation projects through the awarding of grant funds to eligible entities. Applications will compete in two separate categories, business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, for use in funding various business and community projects that serve rural areas.

Grant Details
The RBDG Program is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 1932(c) and implemented by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E. The program will fund various business opportunity projects and business enterprise projects that serve rural areas. Business opportunity projects must be in compliance with eligible uses as stated in 7 CFR 4280.417(a)(1), including the establishment of business support centers or providing funds for job training and leadership development in rural areas.

Business enterprise projects must be in compliance with eligible uses as stated in 7 CFR 4280.417(a)(2) and are to be used to finance or develop small and emerging businesses in rural areas.

Eligibility Requirements
Grants may be made to a Public Body/Government Entity, an Indian Tribe, or a Nonprofit entity primarily serving rural areas. Applicants that are not delinquent on any Federal debt or not otherwise disqualified from participation in these Programs are eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The performance period for the grant is from June 1, 2024, through September 30, 2026.

Grant Value
Approximately $37 million will be available for FY 2024. The Agency may increase the total level of funding available in this funding round from any available source provided the awards meet the requirements of the statute which made the funding available to the Agency.

Place of Performance
The specific geographic location(s) where the project will be performed should be determined based on the location of the project submitted by the applicant.