Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)

    • NOFO Title and Funding Number: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program
    • Funding Opportunity Number: RDBCP‑RBDG‑2026
    • Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Business‑Cooperative Service (RBCS), Rural Development
    • Deadline for Proposals:
      • June 15, 2026 (Strategic Economic and Community Development – SECD applications only)
      • June 30, 2026 (all other applications)
      • (All applications due by 4:30 p.m. local time at the USDA Rural Development State Office)
    • Grant Amount: No formal maximum; however, awards typically range from approximately:
      • $10,000 – $500,000 depending on project scope
      • Smaller funding requests are generally given higher funding priority.
    • Total Program Available Funding: Approximately $27.7 million available nationwide for FY 2026
    • Match Required: No match required (cost share is not mandatory under the program)
  • Purpose of Funding: The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program supports economic development and job creation in rural communities by funding projects that assist small and emerging businesses.
  • Funds can be used for:
    • Technical assistance and business development services
    • Business planning, feasibility studies, and market research
    • Workforce training and capacity building
    • Development or expansion of business infrastructure
    • Establishing revolving loan funds and business incubators
    • The program includes two funding categories:
    • Business Opportunity Grants (planning and technical assistance)
    • Business Enterprise Grants (support for small business development projects)

The overall goal is to strengthen rural economies and improve quality of life through business growth and job creation.

  • Eligibility: Eligible applicants include:
    • Public bodies (local, state, and Tribal governments)
    • Federally recognized Tribal governments
    • Nonprofit organizations serving rural areas
    • Institutions of higher education
  • Ineligible:
    • For-profit businesses
    • Individuals

Projects must benefit rural areas (generally populations under 50,000).

Link to more information: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362398

Website To View Current Postings: https://akfederalfunding.org/grant-opportunities/