The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it is now accepting applications for $27.7 million in grants through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program. The funding is designed to support rural economic growth, business development, and job creation across eligible communities in the United States.
The program provides financial assistance for initiatives that strengthen rural economies through business support services, infrastructure development, and entrepreneurship training. Eligible applicants include rural cooperatives, state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and federally recognized Tribes, while individuals and for-profit businesses are not eligible to apply.
Funding under the program is divided into two main categories. Business opportunity grants are intended to support activities such as feasibility studies, strategic planning, leadership training, and the development of business support centers. Business enterprise grants focus on more direct economic development activities, including business counseling, market research, infrastructure improvements, construction and renovation of facilities, equipment purchases, and the establishment of revolving loan funds and rural business incubators.
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 4:30 p.m. local time on the relevant deadline. The program includes two closing dates depending on the type of application, with Strategic Economic and Community Development applications due by June 15, 2026, and all other applications due by June 30, 2026.
The initiative reflects USDA Rural Development’s ongoing efforts to strengthen rural economies by expanding access to funding that supports long-term business sustainability and community development.
