Rbdg rural bus coop native am tech assist for rural transportation systems grant

The National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation, Inc. (NADO RF) received a $250,000 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Cooperative Services (CFDA 10.351) on August 4, 2025, with a completion date of August 4, 2027. This Project Grant funds technical assistance and capacity-building services specifically designed to support rural transportation systems and Native American communities. The award supports NADO RF's mission to deliver comprehensive technical assistance, training, and research services to regional development organizations, local governments, tribal communities, and small businesses seeking to enhance their economic development and transportation infrastructure capabilities.

Under this two-year initiative, NADO RF will provide targeted support services to eligible entities serving rural and underserved areas, leveraging its established expertise in rural transportation planning and economic development. The grant aligns with RBDG program priorities by promoting sustainable economic development in rural communities while building organizational capacity among intermediary organizations that support small businesses and emerging enterprises. NADO RF's work will facilitate knowledge transfer, training delivery, and technical guidance to advance transportation systems and economic resilience in rural regions with populations and economic distress indicators eligible under the program.