NetWork Kansas is a founding partner of the Kansas Entrepreneurial Communities Initiative (KECI), one of the organizations that was awarded funds. We are actively engaged with the KECI to facilitate the program's implementation in participating communities. This grant being awarded to the KECI will allow additional Kansas communities to benefit from the program, which focuses on economic development via entrepreneurship.
Topeka, Kan., September 22, 2011 - Patty Clark, USDA Rural Development State Director, announced eight organizations in Kansas are receiving a total of $372,000 in Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG) from USDA Rural Development.
"The Rural Business Enterprise Grant program provides federal funding to organizations that help jump start business creation and expansion in rural communities," stated Clark. "I am excited to be partnering with entities that are focused on assisting rural entrepreneurs and creating jobs in Kansas."
USDA Rural Development's RBEG program is a key component of the Agency's economic development efforts across America. The RBEG grants finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses.
Kansas organizations receiving RBEG funds include:
Center for Rural Entrepreneurship
$99,600
Funds will be used to expand the Kansas Entrepreneurial Communities Initiative, which is a collaborative entrepreneur-focused economic development initiative that provides technical assistance to rural businesses.
City of Cherryvale
$70,000
Funds will be used to establish a revolving loan fund to assist small and emerging business enterprises in the City of Cherryvale.
Flint Hills Tourism Coalition $99,900
Funds will be used to provide technical assistance to the coalition, which plans to enhance tourism and economic development opportunities for businesses and communities throughout the Flint Hills.
Harvey County Economic Development Council
$82,500
Funds will be used to assist in researching and evaluating the market desirability, business viability and technical feasibility of establishing a rural innovation accelerator in south central Kansas.
Through the RBEG Program, four Kansas School Districts will receive funding to install a 1.8 kilowatt wind turbine to educate students on the importance of wind as an alternative energy source and to promote rural jobs for the future. The turbines will offset a small amount of the electric needs at the schools, and will provide a hands-on learning opportunity for students in math and science courses. The four schools are participating in the Kansas Wind for Schools program, which is administered by KansasState University's Wind Applications Center.
Central Plains USD 112
$5,000
Eudora USD 491
$5,000
Halstead-Bentley USD 440
$5,000
Jefferson West USD 340
$5,000
For additional information regarding USDA Rural Development programs, visit the Agency's website http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/KS, or call the Agency's State Office at 785-271-2700.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $150 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.