The U.S. Department of Agriculture is kicking off an effort this month to improve access to billions of dollars of federal funds for rural economic and community development. By the end of May, the Rural Partners Network will station federal field staff in over 25 rural communities to help local leaders secure federal funding for businesses, high-speed internet, clean … [Read more...]
Grant applications open for farmers and ranchers to access markets
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small announced this month that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help farmers and ranchers maximize the value of the items they produce. USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program. The grants help agricultural producers … [Read more...]
USDA invests $1 billion in rural community facilities
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh announced on Jan. 26 that USDA is investing $1 billion to build and improve critical community facilities in 48 states, Puerto Rico and Guam (PDF, 449 KB). This infrastructure funding will increase access to health care, education and public safety while spurring community development and … [Read more...]
Upcoming conference to showcase entrepreneurship in Tennessee
A four-day event in Nashville, Tenn. is being billed as "the first major gathering of Tennessee's entrepreneurial ecosystem following the pandemic." LanchTN's Innovation Week will include exhibitions of startups, special keynotes, breakout sessions, investor meetings, and legislative meetings. The gathering will be held from March 21st through the 24th and registration is … [Read more...]
Webinar to tackle grocery succession planning
When a rural grocery store owner is ready to move on from the business, finding the right person to take over can often be a challenge. This puts grocery stores, which are often anchor businesses in rural communities, at risk of closing. The Rural Grocery Initiative out of Kansas State Research and Extension is hosting a webinar to discuss this common problem and provide … [Read more...]