- Mary Warren,
- Business Programs Director
- USDA Rural Development
- 2118 W. Park Court, Suite A,
- Champaign, IL 61821
- Phone: 217-403-6218
- Fax: 855-832-8691
- Email: Mary.warren@usda.gov
- Website Link:
Purpose of the Program
Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program supports the development of small and emerging private business, industry, and related employment and thereby improves the economy of rural communities.
Who is Eligible
Eligible grant applicants are public bodies and nonprofit corporations serving rural areas. Beneficiaries are generally any private business that will employ 50 or fewer new employees, has less than $1 million in projected revenue.
Application Process
Guidelines are available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_rbeg.html.
Availability of Funds
There is no maximum level of grant funding. However, smaller projects are given higher priority. Typical grants are $99,000 or less.
How Funds Must be Used
Examples of eligible funds include: Acquisition or development of land, easements, or rights of way; construction, conversion, renovation of buildings, plants, machinery, access to streets and roads, parking areas, utilities; pollution control and abatement; capitalization of revolving loan funds; training and technical assistance; distance adult learning for job training and advancement; rural transportation improvement; and project planning.
Types of Assistance
Grants and Technical Assistance
Year Program was established
1973