Simpler Grants.gov #RDBCP-RBDG-2026

USDA Rural Business Development Grant Program for Rural Economic Projects

The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service is seeking applications for the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program to stimulate economic growth and job creation in rural communities. - Government Buyer: - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Rural Business-Cooperative Service (sub-agency) - Eligible Applicants: - State, county, city, township, and tribal governments - Special district governments - Nonprofit organizations - Public and state institutions of higher education - Program Details: - Approximately $27.7 million in total funding for fiscal year 2026 - About 450 awards anticipated - No minimum or maximum award amount; smaller requests prioritized - Projects must be located in rural areas - Encourages alignment with Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) plans - Products/Services Requested: - Funding for business opportunity projects (per 7 CFR 4280.417(a)(1)) - Funding for business enterprise projects (per 7 CFR 4280.417(a)(2)) - Notable Requirements: - Registration in SAM.gov and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) required - Compliance with Build America, Buy America Act for non-federal entities - Projects must be completed within one year of initiation - No specific OEMs or vendors are named, as this is a grant program for community and business development, not a procurement of products or services.

Description

The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program aims to promote economic development and job creation in rural areas by awarding grant funds to eligible entities. Applications compete in two categories: business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, which fund various business and community projects serving rural areas. Eligible applicants include government entities, nonprofits, and public/state institutions of higher education serving rural communities. The program has an anticipated funding amount of approximately $27.7 million for fiscal year 2026, with about 450 expected awards. Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026, with a separate deadline of June 15, 2026, for SECD applications.

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