The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $770 million to further rural business opportunities throughout 36 states and Puerto Rico.
The USDA announced a $770 million investment to help market expansion in rural areas of 36 states as well as Puerto Rico, a recent press release from the agency said. Of the funding, $640 million will be allocated for 122 projects targeting socially vulnerable communities.
“Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is prioritizing investment in jobs, businesses, and entrepreneurial opportunities in rural America,” Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said in the release. “The investments we’re announcing today demonstrate how USDA remains committed to helping people in rural America create new and better market opportunities for our country.”
The money is aimed toward helping people keep and earn wealth through the funding of job training, business expansion, etc. The funding will also provide companies the opportunity to hire more people, which will allow people to keep working and contributing to their communities. The funding will be focused in areas that have historically been underserved.
Awards will go to the following states and territories: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming and Puerto Rico; the release said.
