Resource Partner of the Month: USDA Rural Development Community and Business Programs

To enhanceeconomic opportunity and improve the quality of life
for all rural Americans.

VISION
A ruralAmerica that is a healthy, safe, and prosperous place
to live and work.

USDA Rural Development Community& Business Programs (C&BP) encompass a broad range of programs that canbe instrumental in affecting economic development in rural areas. The USDAoffers a diverse range of programs that open up a wealth of opportunities forrural communities and business owners.
 
One program of particular interestto rural development is the new Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program.The Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program helps create jobs andstimulates rural economies by providing financial backing for by providingfinancial backing for rural businesses. The program guarantees up to 80% of aloan made by a commercial lender and can be applied toward start-up workingcapital, machinery and equipment, buildings and real estate. Certain types ofdebt refinancing can even be extended to loans made in rural areas.
 
These rural areas include allsettlements outside of cities with a population of 50,000 or greater. TheBusiness and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program helps to both create and maintainjobs and thereby improves the economic climate in rural communities. Theexpanded lending capability of private lenders in these areas helps them togrant and service loans that provide lasting community benefits.
 
Rural Economic Development Loans& Grants are available to any Rural Utilities Service electric ortelecommunications borrower to finance economic development and job creationprojects in rural areas. Brandon Prough of USDA Rural Development Area 1 and 5says, "We are a funding source for businesses of all size. We have several loanand grant programs that can be utilized for business startup or expansion."
 
For more information regarding thespecifics of the guaranteed loan program, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks
 
To learn more about USDA RuralDevelopment in your region of Kansas, contact one of the following regionalrepresentatives:
 
USDA Rural Development, Area 1(Northwest Kansas)
Brandon Prough: brandon.prough@ks.usda.gov (785)628-3081
2715 Canterbury Dr., Hays, KS 67601
 
USDA Rural Development, Area 2(Northeast Kansas)
Philip Neary: philip.neary@ks.usda.gov (785)776-7582
3705 Miller Parkway Suite A, Manhattan, KS 66503
 
USDA Rural Development Area 3(Southeast Kansas)
Katie Casper: katie.casper@ks.usda.gov (620)365-2901
202 West Miller Road, Iola, KS 66749
 
USDA Rural Development Area 4 (South Central Kansas)
Richard Boyles: richard.boyles@ks.usda.gov (316)283-0370
1405 South Spencer, Newton, KS 67114
 
USDA Rural Development Area 5(Southwest Kansas)
Brandon Prough: brandon.prough@ks.usda.gov (620)275-0211
2106 East Spruce, Garden City, KS 67846