$15,000,000 Grant To Non-Profits Who Lend To Small Businesses In Small Towns

Provides grants to public bodies, nonprofit corporations, and Indian tribal groups to finance and facilitate the development of small and emerging private business enterprises located in rural areas. Funds may be used for the acquisition and development of land and the construction of buildings, plants, equipment, access streets and roads; technical assistance and related training for adults; startup and operating costs and working capital; and to create, expand, and operate rural distance learning networks. Applicants are required to submit supporting data (Preapplication Form SF-424) before a formal application is made. Applicants should contact the state representative above for more information on preapplication and application requirements. Rural area for this program is defined as a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population of 50,000 inhabitants or less. Private business is eligible only if it will employ 50 or less new employees and has less than $1 million in projected gross revenue. Contact U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 5050 South Building, Washington, DC 20250; 202-690-4730; {www.rurdev.usda.gov/}.