Monday, Oct 31 2011 12:15PM
Economic development grants from the USDA will help small businesses and co-ops operate better.
Thirty-six organizations in 26 states will receive grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help small businesses and rural cooperatives improve job growth and economic development in several communities.
The grants will come from USDA Rural Development's Rural Cooperative Development Grant program, which aims to help colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations create and run cooperatives and businesses.
"These grants help cooperatives support local projects and initiatives that create jobs and improve rural economic conditions," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "As we celebrate National Cooperative Month, USDA is proud to continue its support of local and regional efforts to bolster these cooperatives and help them bring increased value and economic opportunity to rural residents."
Many businesses and co-ops in western states — including California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico and Washington — will receive funding. For example, the California Center for Cooperative Development will use its $225,000 grant to improve business and economic conditions of rural communities statewide.
Grants for rural business and economic growth are needed in many areas around the country. The Daily Yonder, citing Labor Department statistics, reports the nation's rural unemployment rate stood at 8.8 percent in August.
For further reference, check out these sources:
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
The Daily Yonder