Rural business development grants - disaster (rbdg e disaster) grants

The Department of Agriculture Rural Business Cooperative Services awarded Clemson University $141,851 on April 30, 2026, under the Rural Business Development Grant program (CFDA 10.351) to support sustainable economic development and business growth in rural communities. The award carries a period of performance through April 30, 2028, and performance occurs in South Carolina.

The Rural Business Development Grant program provides funding to government entities, private nonprofits, and Federally recognized Indian tribes that assist small and emerging private business enterprises employing 50 or fewer new employees with less than $1 million in projected gross revenue. Grants are not made directly to businesses; instead, intermediary organizations channel support to eligible business operations in rural communities. Program priorities include projects in low-income areas, projects that preserve existing jobs, job creation, and initiatives in high-unemployment regions. The source does not specify the particular rural business activities or services Clemson's Division of Research will deliver under this award.