Rural Development Announces $1.1 Million in Funding to Assist West Virginia Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Funding Will Support 11 Projects Across West Virginia
Rural Business Development Grant and Rural Energy for America Program Technical Assistance Grant awardees take a picture to celebrate their awards. USDA Rural Development State Director Ryan Thorn announced funding for eleven projects across West Virginia at an event on Wednesday at Capitol Market in Charleston.
CHARLESTON, Sept. 11, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development West Virginia State Director Ryan Thorn today announced $1.1 million in funding to support rural small businesses, entrepreneurs, and agricultural producers across the Mountain State.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to creating new opportunities, while strengthening and diversifying the local economies of our rural communities,” said Thorn. “These investments will help create business incubation centers, expand value-added and agricultural products, train women for nontraditional occupations in the workforce, and provide technical assistance to farmers and small businesses to help cut energy costs and bolster their bottom lines.”
Funding for the projects come through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program, which promotes economic development and job creation projects that benefit rural areas, and the Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant (REAP TAG) program, which helps eligible organizations provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and small businesses applying to the Rural Energy for America Program.
The announcement was made at Capitol Market in Charleston, which is receiving a $95,000 RBDG award to upgrade its outdoor market space which will allow for additional programming to attract and retain farmers and producers. This year marked the first time that organizations in the Kanawha Valley were eligible to apply for the RBDG program.
"Agriculture lies at the heart of what we do at Capitol Market,” said Evan Osborn, executive director of Capitol Market. “We are honored not only to be a recipient of this round of rural business grants but also to host the announcement of some truly incredible projects throughout the state of West Virginia."
Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center was a recipient of a $224,901 REAP TAG investment to provide 200 small businesses technical assistance services including developing energy assessments and supporting small businesses in applying for future REAP grant funding.
“I thank USDA Rural Development for their confidence in us to serve as a Technical Assistance center,” said Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center Director Derek Scarbro. “We routinely work with more than 300 companies annually and we look forward to helping them, and other small businesses, realize the potential of these energy saving funds from USDA by helping them understand the program, conduct the necessary assessments, and apply for the funding.”
In total, Rural Development is investing $ 1,085,557 to eleven projects:
Rural Business Development Grants:
-
Shepherd University - $17,000
This Rural Development investment will be used to create a feasibility study for agribusiness development. The study aims to improve awareness and understanding of agritourism to enhance the economic sustainability of local farms and rural communities by exploring revenue diversification through agritourism-related activities. Involving student employees to develop the agritourism training materials, providing the students with valuable knowledge and experience; Informing the continued development of innovative processes and products at Shepherd University’s Tabler Farm, which houses a burgeoning Agricultural Business Incubator.
-
West Virginia Women Work - $23,354
This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase property to serve as the headquarters for the organization and the Step Up for Women program, which provides instruction and certifications in nontraditional occupations for women.
-
Roane County Chamber of Commerce - $39,282
This Rural Development investment will be used to establish a small business incubator and provide technical assistance to local entrepreneurs. A borrower contribution of $7200 will be included. Four jobs will be created as part of the project.
-
New Roots Community Farm - $60,000
This Rural Development investment will be used to support the development of small and emerging ag based businesses.
-
Capitol Market - $95,000
This Rural Development investment will be used to upgrade the outdoor market space with mobile storage and equipment and to develop supporting programs to attract and retain farmers and producers. The project will create five jobs and save five jobs.
-
The 1982 Foundation - $95,289
This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install appliances and equipment in three kitchens for a restaurant, community kitchen, and learning kitchen.
-
West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition - $99,038
This Rural Development investment will be used to provide technical assistance to rural grocers to expand value-added products and agricultural products. Seven jobs will be created or saved as part of the project.
-
West Virginia Department of Agriculture - $156,594
This Rural Development investment will be used for providing technical assistance on post-harvest handling and purchasing coolbots and chest freezers for producers.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Technical Assistance Grants:
-
Greater Williamson Community Development Corporation - $125,099
This Rural Development investment will be used to provide technical assistance to small businesses in West Virginia. The Greater Williamson Community Development Corporation, based in Williamson, will provide 30 small businesses technical assistance services. Their effort will include developing energy assessments and supporting small businesses in applying for future REAP Grant funding.
-
West Virginia University - $150,000
This Rural Development investment will be used to provide technical assistance to small businesses in West Virginia. West Virginia University, based in Morgantown, will provide 50 small businesses technical assistance services. Their effort will include developing energy assessments and supporting small businesses in applying for future REAP grant funding.
-
Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center - $224,901
This Rural Development investment will be used to provide technical assistance to small businesses in West Virginia. Marshall University Research Corporation, based in Huntington, will provide 200 small businesses technical assistance services. Their effort will include developing energy assessments and supporting small businesses in applying for future REAP grant funding.
For more information about Rural Development in West Virginia, visit www.rd.usda.gov/wv or contact your local Rural Development office.
To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates in West Virginia, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page
Rural Development Background
Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America.
###
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
|
