Oregon nonprofits, public entities, tribes and cooperatives can apply for a USDA Rural Business Opportunity Grant this winter.
The RBOG program funds larger-scale strategic planning, leadership development, and business opportunity analysis that promotes economic development for rural communities in need.
The program will likely award about $50,000 in grant funds to one Oregon applicant.
In FY 2009, USDA discretionary points will be awarded to projects that emphasize downtown historic-district revitalization, telecommunications, minority business development, rural health care, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and new and creative approaches to rural business development.
Since it is likely that only one RBOG will be awarded to an Oregon applicant, instead of seeking detailed complete applications, the program is requesting a brief "concept paper" from applicants.
Concept papers should be submitted by Feb. 23 to the Oregon Rural Development State Office, via email to jeff.deiss@or.usda.gov or regular mail to USDA Rural Development, Att: Business & Cooperative Programs, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Ste. 801, Portland, OR 97232. For additional contact info, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/bizcontact.htm