USDA seek applications for loans and grants from small rural businesses

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for funding that will help rural businesses create and save jobs in their communities.

USDA is making loans and grants available under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) programs for fiscal year 2025. Through the programs, USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they then provide to local businesses for projects to create and retain employment in rural areas. Through the REDLG programs, USDA also provides grants to local utility organizations, which use the funding to establish revolving loan funds to finance community facilities.

Applicants may use funds to support business startup, expansion and incubators; technical assistance and feasibility studies; essential community facilities; and advanced telecommunications services and computer networks for medical, educational and job training opportunities.

USDA is particularly interested in applications that will advance Biden-Harris Administration priorities to:

• Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.

• Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD-funded projects.

• Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.

USDA anticipates awarding approximately $50 million in fiscal year 2025, with the largest loans being $2 million and the largest grants being $300,000.

Applications must be submitted to the USDA Rural Development State Office where the project is located no

later than 4:30 p.m. local time on the following dates:

• First Quarter: Sep. 30, 2024.

• Second Quarter: Dec. 31, 2024.

• Third Quarter: Mar. 31, 2025.

• Fourth Quarter: Jun. 30, 2025.

Interested applicants should call (866) 923-5626 to be connected with their local USDA Rural Development office or visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/or.