NSAC's Blog
Rural Enterprise Grants Include Local Food Awards
June 17, 2013
In celebration of National Small Business Week, the USDA announced the funding recipients for the Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEGs). The USDA awarded 54 recipients in 21 states totaling $4.7 million in investment for rural small businesses.
RBEGs finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses to boost local, rural economies. This year, many of the projects relate to food and agriculture, including food hubs, farm-to-school, and organic foods enterprises.
Douglas Country in Lawrence, Kansas will receive a grant of $58,250 to conducting a food hub feasibility study. Pueblo of Acoma-Acoma Business Enterprise in New Mexico will receive $75,000 to create a business plan and marketing study for the Indian food hub and the County of Sullivan Industrial Development Agency in Ferndale, NY will receive $213,400 to develop a centrally located aggregation and distribution food hub.
In Newport, VT Farm-to-School received a grant of $57,185 to create an online ordering and product information website to enhance sales at several small businesses.
Big Sandy Rancheria of Mono Indians of California in Auberry, CA will receive $25,960 to conduct a feasibility study to help tribal members grow and sell organic food to the community.
The Center for an Agricultural Economy in Hardwick, VT will receive $141,198 to help small farms do light processing of local fruits and vegetables for year round sale.
NSAC member, Center for Rural Affairs in Lyon, NE will receive $99,000 to provide training and technical assistance to two small businesses.
Click here to see the full list of recipients.
Categories: Local & Regional Food Systems, Rural Development