Virtual Town Hall | U.S.D.A. Rural Development Programs for Community Development & Businesses
There are many programs available through U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) that can assist agricultural producers, individual businesses, and local governments. From improving high speed internet access to ensuring communities have access to healthcare, USDA RD fosters opportunity and economic security for people and communities in rural America through a broad range of investments. These investments open doors to better jobs, create access to innovation and technology, while promoting the promise of rural prosperity, equity, and climate resilience.
In an effort to help raise awareness about some of these programs as well as connect USDA RD leaders and program managers with constituents who may benefit from these programs, Congressman Bishop hosted a virtual town hall event where he welcomed Deputy Under Secretary of Rural Development, Justin Maxson, as well as other presenters from USDA RD and local participants in these programs to share their success stories.
On this webpage you can watch the event, learn more about the presenters, and find links to the USDA RD programs that were discussed during the event.
As always, should you have questions about these or any other federal programs, please contact any of th Congressman's offices to ask for assistance. You can find contact information his district and Washington, D.C. offices at https://bishop.house.gov/contact/offices.
An Introduction to Community Development & Business Related USDA Rural Development Programs
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 7:00pm (via Zoom)
Click here to watch the full event via YouTube.
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EVENT SPEAKERS & BIOGRAPHIES
The event featured USDA Rural Development leaders as well as program participant success stories from middle and southwest Georgia.
- Justin Maxson | Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development
- Steffanie Bezruki | Chief of Staff of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service
- Caryn Compton | Chief of Staff of the Rural Utilities Service
- Jamal Habibi | Chief of Staff of the Rural Housing Service
Success Story Speakers
- Kevin Brown | Mayor of Buena Vista, GA (Marion County)
- Robert Cooke | Executive Director of Southwest Georgia United (based in Crisp County)
Links to the USDA Rural Development Programs Featured During this Town Hall
Here you can find links to the various USDA RD programs that were discussed during the town hall. Please note, however, that there are many more programs to which individuals, businesses, community organizations, and local governments can apply. For a full listing of USDA RD Programs, please visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs.
Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG)
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Agricultural Producers, Farmer- or Rancher-Led Cooperatives
WHAT IS IT FOR: The goals of the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program are to process and generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. Grant and matching funds can be used for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. Examples of planning activities include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans. Examples of working capital expenses include processing costs, marketing and advertising expenses, and some inventory and salary expenses.
For more information, including criteria, visit...
Rural Microentrepreneurship Assistance Program (RMAP)
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Nonprofit Organizations, Federally-Recognized Tribes, Institutions of Higher Education, and others
WHAT IS IT FOR: Establishing an eligible organization as a Microenterprise Development Organization that can help microenterprises startup and grow as well as provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs. Rural Development undertakes this program in order to support the development and ongoing success of rural businesses with 10 or fewer full-time employees. Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to, working capital, debt refinancing, purchasing equipment/supplies, and improving real estate.
For more information, including criteria, visit...
Community Facilities Programs
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Public Bodies, Nonprofit Organizations, and Federally-Recognized Tribes
WHAT IS IT FOR: Community Facilities Programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees and/or grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These amenities help increase the competitiveness of rural communities in attracting and retaining businesses that provide employment and services for their residents.
Funds can be used to construct, expand or improve facilities that provide health care, education, public safety, and public services. Projects include fire and rescue stations, village and town halls, health care clinics, hospitals, adult and child care centers, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, schools, libraries, local food systems, and many other community-based initiatives. Financing may also cover the costs for land acquisition, professional fees, and purchase of equipment.
For more information, including criteria, visit...
Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH)
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Most State and Local Government Entities, Nonprofit Organizations, and Federally-Recognized Tribes
WHAT IS IT FOR: This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities with predevelopment feasibility studies, design, and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects.
For more information, including criteria, visit...
Circuit Rider Program Technical Asisstance for Rural Water Systems
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Officials of Rural Water Systems, Rural Utilities Service Staff
WHAT IS IT FOR: This program provides technical assistance to rural water systems that are experiencing day-to-day operational, financial, or managerial issues. Rural water system officials may request assistance or an energy audit from the Rural Utilities Service, or Rural Utilities Service staff may request assistance on behalf of the system. You do not need to have a loan or grant with USDA to request assistance through this program.
For more information, including criteria, visit...
Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Most State and Local Government Entities, Nonprofit Organizations, and Federally-Recognized Tribes
WHAT IS IT FOR: This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
For more information, including criteria, visit...