$1.1 million in funding announced for WV entrepreneurs and small businesses

CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development West Virginia recently announced $1.1 million in funding which will provide support to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and agricultural producers across the state of West Virginia.

The development was announced last week by USDA Rural Development West Virginia State Director, Ryan Thorn, who noted that the investment will provide assistance in the establishing of businesses and incubation centers as well as the expansion of value-added and agricultural products along with the training of women for nontraditional roles in the workforce, and the provision of technical assistance to small businesses and farmers. These funds will assist in the cutting of energy costs and the bolstering of the economic bottom lines of these producers.

Project funding has been attained through the Rural Business Development Grant program, which serves to promote economic development and job creation projects which benefit rural areas specifically. Funding has also been provided through the Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant program, which helps qualifying organizations offer technical assistance to small businesses and agricultural producers seeking funds through the Rural Energy for America program.

Charleston’s Capitol Market served as the venue for last week’s announcement. The group will be receiving an RBDG award in the amount of $95,000 which will go toward an upgrade of its outdoor market space, allowing for additional programming to attract and retain producers and farmers.

“Agriculture lies at the heart of what we do at Capitol Market,” said Capitol Market Executive Director, Evan Osborn. “We are honored not only to be a recipient of this round of rural business grants but also to host the announcement of some truly incredible projects throughout the state of West Virginia.”

Additional information regarding Rural Development in the state of West Virginia can be found at the USDA Rural Development website .