Rural Development Funds Available

USDA is seeking applications for grants to help rural businesses create jobs and spur economic development. USDA Rural Development plans to award up to 8.6-million dollars through the Rural Community Development Initiative program. The deadline for submitting applications is May 9, 2012. Applications must be submitted to the USDA Rural Development state office where the applicant's headquarters are located.

Applications are sought for projects that: provide technical assistance to improve the capacity of local organizations to complete successful housing, economic development and community facilities projects; help recipients complete pre-development requirements such as architectural and engineering plans; help development organizations improve their board operations, management and knowledge of financial and information technology systems; and provide homeownership education or training for entrepreneurs.

Currently, North Carolina is fifth in the nation in utilization of these funds.