Rural Innovation Stronger Economy

The applicant project outcome must accelerate the formation of new businesses with high-growth potential, improve the ability of rural businesses and distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs, and strengthen rural regional economies. Eligible uses include the following costs incurred after a complete application has been received by the Agency: 1. Costs directly related to the purchase or construction of an innovation center 2) Costs directly related to operations of an innovation center including including purchase of equipment, office supplies, and administrative costs including salaries directly related to the project; (3) Costs directly associated with support programs to be carried out at or in direct partnership with job accelerators; (4) Reasonable and customary travel expenses directly related to job accelerators and at rates in compliance with 2 CFR 200.474; (5) Utility costs, operating expenses of the innovation center and job accelerator programs and associated programs

The following are not eligible: (1) Costs associated with preparation of an application package under this notice; (2) Costs incurred prior to Agency receipt of a complete application for the grant request made under a funding notice; (3) Funding of any political or lobbying activities; (4) Payment for assistance to any private business enterprise which does not create and/or support jobs in a rural area of the United States; (5) Payment of any judgment or debt owed to the United States; (6) Duplicate current services or substitute support previously provided. If the current service is inadequate, however, grant funds may be used to expand the level of effort or services beyond what is currently being provided; (7) To fund a part of a project that is dependent on other funding unless there is a firm commitment of the other funding to ensure completion of the project; (8) Pass through grants; and (9) costs associated with hemp production, unless a hemp producer has a valid license issued from an approved State, Tribal or Federal plan as per Section 10113 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115–334 (verification of valid hemp licenses will occur at the time of award).