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Eligible: Agriculture, Education, Local Government, Nonprofits, State Agencies, Tribes

Apply by Jun 30, 2026

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Closed

$10,000 - $500,000

Rural Business Development Grant

From US Department of Agriculture

Rural Business Development Grants (RBDGs) support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities that promote the development and expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross annual revenues. RBDG funding is separated into either enterprise or opportunity-type grant activities.

  • Overview

    • Type

      Grant

    • Title

      Rural Business Development Grant

    • Source

      US Department of Agriculture

    • Federal or State

      Federal

    • Total Amount

      $27,700,000

    • Number of Awards

      450

    • Award Range

      $10,000 - $500,000

    • Cost Share

      No

    • Status

      Active

  • Topics

    Agriculture
    Buildings & Infrastructure
    Climate
    Energy Efficiency
    Environmental Justice

  • Eligibility

    • Audience

      Agriculture, Education, Local Government, Nonprofits, State Agencies, Tribes

    • Sector

      Agriculture, Buildings & Infrastructure, Climate, Energy Efficiency, Environmental Justice

    • Activity

      Energy Efficiency Improvements, Equipment Purchase, Program Management

    • Eligibility

      Eligible Entities

      Eligible applicants include:
      • Rural cooperatives
      • State government agencies, towns, and communities
      • Nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher learning
      • Federally recognized Tribes

      Important: Neither individuals nor for-profit businesses or organizations are eligible to apply for RBDGs.

      Eligible Activities

      Among other things, enterprise type grant uses include:
      • Training and technical assistance, including project planning, business counseling, market research, feasibility studies, and product or service improvements
      • Buying or developing land, easements, or rights of way, including access streets and parking areas
      • Constructing or renovating buildings, and buying machinery and equipment
      • Capitalizing revolving loan funds
      • Supporting rural business incubators and community economic development

      Among other things, opportunity type grants can support:
      • Business support centers
      • Technology-based economic development
      • Leadership and entrepreneur training
      • Feasibility studies, business plans, and long-term strategic planning, and other eligible activities

    • Location

      National

  • Application Process

    • Application Link

      Apply Now

    • Pre-Application?

      No

    • Requirements

      There is no maximum grant amount; however, smaller requests are given higher priority.  Opportunity type grants are limited to up to 10% of the total Rural Business Development Grant annual funding. Enterprise type grants must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas.

    • Disbursement Method

      Unspecified

  • Important Dates

    • Application Close Date

      Jun 30, 2026

    • Publish Date

      May 15, 2026

  • Resources & Contacts

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