ABOUT THE RBDG PROGRAM

The USDA Rural Development (USDA RD) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program is a key funding opportunity for Native CDFIs looking to expand business development services, provide technical assistance, and strengthen rural economies. This USDA program helps support Native-owned businesses by funding feasibility studies, training, and business support services that drive long-term sustainability and job creation in Tribal communities.

Eligible Uses of RBDG Funding

  • Technical assistance and training for small rural businesses
  • Business incubators
  • Equipment and machinery purchases
  • Feasibility studies and business plans
  • Capital improvements and infrastructure
  • Workforce development and job training
  • Revolving loan fund development (in some cases)

Who Can Apply?

  • Towns, cities, counties, and communities
  • State agencies
  • Authorities (economic development, utilities)
  • Federally-recognized Tribes
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Institutions of higher education

Application Process

  • Submit to your USDA Rural Development State Office
  • Include required forms: SF-424, project narrative, budget, environmental review (if needed)
  • Annual application window, typically in early spring
  • Each state may have additional priorities. Talk to your local RD representative first

Application Resources: Tools for a Successful Submission

USDA RBDG Website

Fact Sheet

RBDG RD Instruction 4280-E

FY 2024 Application Toolkit

Contact Your State Office

Watch NCN Live

The RBDG program is tailored to help you capitalize, or re-capitalize, a loan fund to support small and emerging rural businesses throughout your service area, and there are additional project types that promote economic development and job creation projects that are also eligible under the RBDG program. During this NCN Live webinar, USDA shared program basics, new changes for FY 24, funds that are set-aside for Tribal projects, and who to follow-up with in your RD State Office if you’re interested in submitting an application.

Interviews

In this section, we feature candid conversations between a Native CDFI leader and a USDA State Director, offering real-world perspectives on specific USDA programs impacting Native communities. Each interview highlights success stories, lessons learned, and personal insights—covering how they got started, the challenges they faced, and what made their collaboration effective. These stories provide valuable guidance and inspiration for others looking to implement similar efforts.

Native CDFI Leader/Lender

The purpose of [the RBDG program] is to reach the access to capital and support for entrepreneurs in rural areas or the areas that were less served. Being focused in on the Native Communities it was a perfect fit for our organization.

Nancy Jordan / Pacific Northwest Tribal Lending

USDA State Director

This is a FANTASTIC Theme. Do you think that in the next version you could try and have it Multilanguage. Because I have nothing bad to say about this theme. Thank a million!

Mark Jance / Facebook