Rural Business Development Grants in Michigan

The purpose of the program is to promote economic development and job creation projects through the awarding of grant funds to eligible entities. Applications will compete in two separate categories, business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, for use in funding various business and community projects that serve rural areas.

Additional applicant eligibility criteria: This program is only open to a Public Body/Government Entity, Federally Recognized Indian Tribe or a Nonprofit entity serving rural areas. For profit entities, individuals and individual businesses are not eligible to receive grants under this program.

Project eligibility: Rural Business Development Grant money must be used for projects that benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more. Enterprise type grants must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application.

Application process: Applications are accepted through USDA Rural Development's local or state offices. Applicants are advised to view program information specific to their local or state office to learn about local application timelines, concept paper requirements, etc. To begin, contact a program official in your state to review the requirements for completing an application.