Rural economic development grant - electric farm bill

Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation received a $300,000 project grant awarded July 15, 2025, under the Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants (REDLG) program (CFDA 10.854) administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Cooperative Services. This two-year award, with completion targeted for July 15, 2027, supports rural economic development initiatives throughout North Carolina.

Under this award, Blue Ridge Electric will serve as an intermediary to distribute zero-interest financing to rural businesses and development projects within its service territory. Eligible activities include conducting project feasibility studies, providing business start-up funding, supporting business incubator operations, and delivering technical assistance to foster rural entrepreneurship and economic growth. As a member-owned electric cooperative, the organization will leverage these federal resources to stimulate employment generation and sustainable economic development in underserved rural communities across its service area.