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 </figure>TOPEKA - The USDA is now taking applications for Rural Business Development Grants:Deadline: February 28, 2020 (For Kansas Projects)Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) can be used to identify, train and provide technical assistance to rural entrepreneurs; conduct local community or multi-county economic development planning; identify and analyze business opportunities that will use local rural materials or human resources; establish centers for training, technology and trade for rural businesses; development of real estate for uses that will assist small and emerging businesses; establishment of a revolving loan program for intermediaries that provide financial assistance to small and emerging businesses; and to support rural distance learning programs that provide educational or job training.Eligible RBDG Applicants Include:• Towns and communities• State agencies• Authorities• Nonprofit corporations• Institutions of higher education• Federally-recognized Tribes; and• Rural cooperatives.The RBDG application deadline is February 28, 2020. Applications must be received by the USDA Rural Development State Office in Topeka, Kan., no later than 4:30 p.m. on February 28, 2020, to be considered for any anticipated funding.Provide one original complete application package to the USDA Rural Development State Office in Kansas at the following address:USDA Rural DevelopmentAttention: Nancy Pletcher1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100Topeka, KS 66604-0404Last year, three Kansas applicants received RBDG funding.1) Dodge City received $130,574 RBDG to renovate an existing building to house a new four-year college degree program.2) Hutchinson Community College received $99,500 RBDG to purchase a robotic welder for the college's Brooks Regional Center in Newton.3) Stafford County Economic Development received $89,926 RBDG to renovate a building into a business incubator in St. John.Questions on the RBDG program can be directed to:Business Programs SpecialistNancy Pletcher (785) 271-2733, nancy.pletcher@usda.govActing Business Programs DirectorDavid Kramer (785) 271-2736, david.kramer@usda.govWant more info? Check out the link for more information:<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-business-development-grants/ks?fbclid=IwAR25wWlKfxZS8Z9XN2BSAxpQv6COxoRxPK1nzN3x8Xsp2PmlJcwN-uJWpl0" target="_blank">https://www.rd.usda.gov/…/rural-business-development-gra…/ks</a>- NEWS RELEASE -&nbsp;

USDA Rural Development KS taking business grant applications