WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the Department is accepting applications for funding to help create jobs and promote economic growth in rural communities. USDA is making loans and grants available under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) programs for fiscal year (FY) 2024. Through these programs, USDA … [Read more...]
Episode 48: Building Thriving Rural Communities
Since 1987, the NC Rural Center in North Carolina has worked to improve the quality of life for the state’s rural people and places. It operates with the core belief that rural communities have inherent cultural value and are vital to the overall economic health of the state. Patrick Woodie is a lifelong rural North Carolina resident and President & CEO of the NC Rural … [Read more...]
Creating a more resilient rural economy
Rural economies are becoming more versatile and, hopefully, more sustainable, bringing resilience in the face of industry changes. Diversification in rural economies is a real possibility thanks to technology enabling entrepreneurs to connect to a global marketplace. This is manifesting itself in several ways. For one, information technology (IT) companies are becoming … [Read more...]
Episode 7: Diversify Rural Economy
In Episode 7 we look at various efforts to diversify and strengthen rural economies. We see how an old pioneer town is poised to grow its international tourism economy. We talk about how IT companies are having success locating in rural areas. Then we visit with a state development director on how entrepreneurship is catching fire in small towns. Show Notes Parowan: Finding … [Read more...]
More IT jobs coming to rural areas
Bringing IT jobs to rural areas The U.S. labor and agriculture secretaries wrote a recent op-ed highlighting some positive rural business trends in the IT field. Several companies are training and hiring software developers in rural areas, bringing jobs that pay 50 percent more than the average. The Tennessean Eight rural businesses receiving 'Fast Track' grants In … [Read more...]