USDA Rural Development is seeking applications for the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program.  RBEG’s are available to public bodies, non-profit entities and Indian Tribes who desire to facilitate and finance the development of small and emerging private business enterprises in rural areas.  Grants may be used for technical assistance, the acquisition of land, buildings, and infrastructure to enhance business development and for the establishment of small business revolving loan funds.

Grant funds may only assist businesses located in communities of 50,000 populations and less.  Businesses being assisted by grant funds must meet the small and emerging private enterprise definition.  Applications submitted for state funding are selected based on a competitive scoring process.  Applications that wish to compete for the state allocated funds are due by close of business, March 31, 2010. 

For more information regarding the RBEG program, please contact your local Rural Development office or visit: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbeg.htm.  An application template is available by contacting Rural Development.  Please submit your application to: USDA Rural Development, ATTN:  Kelley Messenger, 4009 6^th Ave, Suite 1, Kearney NE  68845-2386.

Please feel free to contact the Kearney Area Rural Development office (308) 237-3118 ext. 1120 or stop by at 4009 6^th Avenue, Suite 1 to discuss whether Rural Development’s rural business enterprise grant (RBEG) program is for you.