Rural Business Development Grant

RBDG
CFDA 10.351 Active Grant
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$30M FY2026
$37.2M
FY24
$30.5M
FY25
$30M
FY26*
* estimated

Who has received this funding

Organizations awarded under CFDA 10.351 (USAspending.gov).

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 Technical assistance to agriculture grow centers and Universities.

Program Objective

To promote sustainable economic development and facilitate the development of small and emerging private business, industry, and related employment for improving the economy in rural communities.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Local
  • State
  • Tribal Government (other)
  • Small Business Person

Applicants eligible for RBDG grants are government entities, Indian tribes or nonprofit corporations serving rural areas such as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations which will serve rural areas. Rural area for this program is defined as a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population of 50,000 inhabitants or less, other than an urbanized area immediately adjacent to a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population in excess of 50,000 inhabitants.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

After the application has been reviewed by the RD local office, it is forwarded to the RD State Office for review and processing instructions. Following approval by the State Office, funds are made available to the local office for final delivery. Notification of awards must be made to the designated State Central Information Reception Agency.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 60 to 90 days

A NOSA will be published annually to provide deadline to submit completed applications to you local USDA Office.

Program details & compliance

Description

Rural communities and small and emerging private business enterprises which will employ 50 or less new employees and have less than $1.0 million in projected gross revenue. Government entities, private nonprofit corporations, and Federally recognized Indian tribes that receive the grant to assist a business type operation. Grants are not made directly to a business.

Mission Categories

Primary: Small Business

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Rural business development grants (RBDG) provide Business opportunity, Business enterprise . Funds may be used to assist in the economic development of rural areas by providing technical assistance, training, and planning for businesses. Business enterprise type grants may be used to create, expand, or operate rural distance learning networks or programs that provide educational or job training instruction related to potential employment or job advancement for adult students; develop, construct or acquisition land, buildings, plants, equipment, access streets and roads, parking areas, utility extensions, necessary water supply and waste disposal facilities; refinancing; services and fees; and to establish a revolving loan fund.

Required Documentation

Evidence of legal capacity, economic feasibility, and financial responsibility relative to the activity for which assistance is requested.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
1 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

USDA, Rural Business-Cooperative Services — Administrator 's Office
2027201400
1400 Independence Avenue, SW Mail Stop 3201, Room 5803-South , Washington, DC 20250
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-04. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:35:32.