Rural Business And Community Development.

USDA

Farm Service Agency

The Rural Business Development Grant Program has $27.7 million available to support projects that help rural communities grow their local economies and create jobs.

This funding can support things like:
• Business support centers
• Entrepreneur training
• Feasibility studies
• Business plans
• Strategic planning
• Technical assistance
• Market research
• Rural business incubators
• Equipment, buildings, and infrastructure tied to rural business development

Eligible applicants include:
• Rural cooperatives
• Nonprofits
• Towns and communities
• State agencies
• Institutions of higher education
• Federally recognized Tribes

Important note: Individuals and for-profit businesses cannot apply directly, but they may be able to benefit through eligible community partners.
There are two deadlines:

For Strategic Economic and Community Development applications: June 15, 2026

For all other applicants: June 30, 2026
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov by 4:30 p.m. local time on the applicable deadline.

This could be a strong fit for rural communities looking to support entrepreneurs, develop local businesses, create jobs, launch incubators, or invest in community-based economic development.

If your organization is looking at this opportunity and needs help building the project, partnerships, budget, or application strategy, reach out to get started.