Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of 44 recipients for more than $4 million in grants to start or expand businesses in rural communities.
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Through Recovery Act funding, businesses will be able to access critical capital that will help with start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs.
"These Recovery Act grants represent the Obama Administration’s ongoing efforts to ensure strategic investments and increase economic opportunities in rural America," said Vilsack. "Small businesses play an important role in building strong communities while providing vital products and services to local residents. This funding will help spur important economic development and strengthen communities around the country."
In addition to the $4 million that USDA Rural Development is providing for the 44 projects announced, recipients have raised $6.9 million from other sources that will be invested in these projects.
Missouri has two projects funded with these funds. The Salem Area Community Betterment Association will receive $27,000 to finance the construction of an addition to the existing Farmer’s Market pavilion located in Salem, Mo. Currently 12 producers use the facility weekly during the growing season. The expansion will accommodate at least another eight producers. These funds will sustain three existing jobs and create another four jobs.
"This Farmer’s Market expansion is an excellent example of the Secretary’s initiative "Know Your Farmer Know our Food," said Anita J. (Janie) Dunning, Missouri State Director. "The funding will help improve local food systems in the Salem area plus support local farmers, strengthen rural communities, promote healthy eating and protect natural resources."
The Randolph County Sheltered Industries, Inc. in Moberly, Mo., will use the $45,000 to purchase essential equipment for the workshop including a truck and trailer. This will enhance daily operations in their recycling of several products. The workshop employs from 20-40 depending on the workload.
The funding announced is being provided by the Recovery Act through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program (RBEG), which helps finance new and existing businesses as well as employment-related adult education programs. RBEG funds can be used for start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs. Additional information on the RBEG program may be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbeg.htm.
Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of their grant agreement. A complete listing of grants being announced and more information about USDA Rural Development and can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov.
President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation’s economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation’s infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.
More information about USDA’s Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information about the Federal government’s efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Further information on these rural programs is available at an USDA Rural Development office or visiting USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/mo/ or by contacting Danny Jackson, Rural Development Specialist at 1100 Morton Parkway, Chillicothe MO 64601 or calling (660) 646-6222, Extension 4.