WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that USDA is accepting grant applications for community-driven programs that will help create high-wage jobs and new businesses in underserved rural communities. The Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program encourages regional, innovation-driven approaches to economic development by funding job … [Read more...]
President announces over $5 billion investment in rural communities
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden traveled to Northfield, Minnesota on Nov. 1 to highlight federal investments in Rural America. During the visit, Biden announced over $5 billion in new investments from his "Investing in America" agenda – including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Biden, cabinet members, and senior … [Read more...]
Episode 50: Rural Voice
The Rural Voice series, hosted by Minnesota Public Radio’s Kerri Miller, captures imaginative and illuminating town hall conversations about the rewards and challenges of making a home in rural America. The town hall meetings are lively, engaging and enlightening as the host nudges rural Minnesotans to open up on important issues including entrepreneurship, housing, … [Read more...]
Rural Economic Development Expert Identifies What Makes for a Vibrant Small Town
Rural North Carolina is home to the second largest rural population in the country. Residents here often appreciate the strong sense of place rural living provides. And while these residents have weathered their fair share of hardships over the past couple decades, current economic forces have presented new opportunities to build a more vibrant future, according to Patrick … [Read more...]
Senators introduce Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Tina Smith (D-MN) recently introduced the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act of 2023. The legislation extends and enhances the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). Established in the 2008 farm bill, RMAP assists rural entrepreneurs who are unable to access credit from traditional lenders by providing loans … [Read more...]