Rbdg rural business coop rural enterprise grant

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program awarded a $163,564 project grant to The Industrial Commons, a non-profit organization based in North Carolina. The grant, awarded on July 29, 2024, supports the organization's efforts to promote sustainable economic development and facilitate the growth of small and emerging private businesses in rural communities. Key activities to be funded include business counseling, market research, workforce development, feasibility studies, revolving loan funds, and support for business incubators and industry cluster initiatives. The grant will run for a two-year period, with a final completion date of July 29, 2026. The Industrial Commons has a demonstrated track record of delivering comprehensive economic development solutions in the Appalachian region, leveraging partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector entities.