RBDG Applications Being Accepted by USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for the Rural Business Development Grant Program to compete for 2016 funding.

Through the program, public bodies, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized tribal groups can obtain a RBDG grant to finance and facilitate business opportunities or business enterprise projects that serve rural areas.

In 2014, the Hawai’i/Western Pacific region was provided $177,000 for the RBDG program. Of that, $113,000 came to Hawai’i solely. The money provided the ability to fund technical assistance and training programs, as well as help in obtaining equipment for small and emerging businesses.

RBGD is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance by purchasing machinery and equipment that is leased to small and emerging businesses, the creation of a revolving loan fund, and support for rural distance learning programs that provides educational or job training.

To learn more about the RBDG program or to request application materials, call the Hawai’i County Business Program Specialist, Lori M. Nekoba, at 933-8312 or e-mail [email protected].