Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)

Background
The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program is administered by the USDA Rural Development to promote economic development and job creation projects in rural communities. The program supports small and emerging businesses and non-profits through two grant programs, the RBEG and RBOG programs.

Grant Details
The RBDG grants are provided to public bodies, non-profit corporations, and federally recognized Indian Tribes to support the development and expansion of small and emerging businesses in rural communities. The Enterprise Grant type funds can be used for various purposes such as acquiring or developing land, buildings, plants, equipment, providing technical assistance, establishing revolving loan funds, and creating rural distance learning programs.

Opportunity Grant type funds are made to analyze rural business opportunities, provide training opportunities to rural entrepreneurs, conduct leadership development, establish training or technology centers, and conduct technical assistance or area-wide planning activities. The Agency reserves the right to reallocate funds set aside for business opportunity type grants to business enterprise type grants if there is insufficient demand for the former. The Fiscal Year 2022 Notice of Solicitation for Applications (NOSA) was published on September 27, 2021.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible entities include public bodies, non-profit corporations, and federally recognized Indian Tribes. The grant funds may be used for projects serving rural areas. Applicants must register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database or its successor database known as the System for Award Management (SAM). All businesses assisted with grant funds must be at least 51% owned by U.S. citizens or resident aliens.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is not specified in the provided text.