USDA Announces $1.1 Million to Boost Small Businesses and Agriculture in Rural West Virginia

WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has allocated $1.1 million to support rural small businesses, entrepreneurs, and agricultural producers in West Virginia. The funding, announced by USDA Rural Development West Virginia State Director Ryan Thorn, is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to enhancing economic opportunities and strengthening rural economies.

“These investments will help create business incubation centers, expand value-added agricultural products, and provide technical assistance to small businesses to reduce energy costs,” said Thorn. The funds are being distributed through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) and the Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant (REAP TAG) programs.

The announcement was made at Charleston’s Capitol Market, which received a $95,000 RBDG award to enhance its outdoor market space, allowing for more programming to support local farmers and producers. Other notable recipients include the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center , awarded $224,901 to provide technical assistance to 200 small businesses, helping them conduct energy assessments and apply for additional USDA funding.

“These funds will help us serve over 300 companies annually, providing them with crucial resources to save on energy costs and enhance their operations,” said Derek Scarbro, Director of the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center.

This funding aims to promote job creation and long-term growth in West Virginia’s rural areas.

Rural Business Development Grants:

• Shepherd University – $17,000
  This Rural Development investment will be used to create a feasibility study for agribusiness development. The study aims to improve awareness and understanding of agritourism to enhance the economic sustainability of local farms and rural communities by exploring revenue diversification through agritourism-related activities. Involving student employees to develop the agritourism training materials, providing the students with valuable knowledge and experience; Informing the continued development of innovative processes and products at Shepherd University’s Tabler Farm, which houses a burgeoning Agricultural Business Incubator.
• West Virginia Women Work – $23,354
  This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase property to serve as the headquarters for the organization and the Step Up for Women program, which provides instruction and certifications in nontraditional occupations for women.
• Roane County Chamber of Commerce – $39,282
  This Rural Development investment will be used to establish a small business incubator and provide technical assistance to local entrepreneurs. A borrower contribution of $7200 will be included. Four jobs will be created as part of the project.
• New Roots Community Farm – $60,000
  This Rural Development investment will be used to support the development of small and emerging ag based businesses.
• Capitol Market – $95,000
  This Rural Development investment will be used to upgrade the outdoor market space with mobile storage and equipment and to develop supporting programs to attract and retain farmers and producers. The project will create five jobs and save five jobs.
• The 1982 Foundation – $95,289
  This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install appliances and equipment in three kitchens for a restaurant, community kitchen, and learning kitchen.
• West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition – $99,038
  This Rural Development investment will be used to provide technical assistance to rural grocers to expand value-added products and agricultural products. Seven jobs will be created or saved as part of the project.
• West Virginia Department of Agriculture – $156,594
  This Rural Development investment will be used for providing technical assistance on post-harvest handling and purchasing coolbots and chest freezers for producers.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Technical Assistance Grants:

• Greater Williamson Community Development Corporation – $125,099
  This Rural Development investment will be used to provide technical assistance to small businesses in West Virginia. The Greater Williamson Community Development Corporation, based in Williamson, will provide 30 small businesses technical assistance services. Their effort will include developing energy assessments and supporting small businesses in applying for future REAP Grant funding.
• West Virginia University – $150,000
  This Rural Development investment will be used to provide technical assistance to small businesses in West Virginia. West Virginia University, based in Morgantown, will provide 50 small businesses technical assistance services. Their effort will include developing energy assessments and supporting small businesses in applying for future REAP grant funding.
• Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center – $224,901
  This Rural Development investment will be used to provide technical assistance to small businesses in West Virginia. Marshall University Research Corporation, based in Huntington, will provide 200 small businesses technical assistance services. Their effort will include developing energy assessments and supporting small businesses in applying for future REAP grant funding.

For more information about Rural Development in West Virginia, visit www.rd.usda.gov/wv or contact your local Rural Development office .