WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2022 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today unveiled a resource guide to help people in rural America start and grow businesses, create good-paying jobs in their communities and strengthen America’s economy.

“America’s rural entrepreneurs are critical to the success of our nation’s economy,” Torres Small said. “They create jobs for the people in their communities, start businesses and industries that expand financial opportunities, and deliver products and services that improve the lives of people across this nation. The guide we are unveiling today will enhance American competitiveness around the world to meet the challenges of the 21st century by equipping rural entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.”

USDA Rural Development State Director Patricia Dominguez added, “America’s rural entrepreneurs here in New Mexico are a critical component to the success of our local economy."

"These businesses need our support, and we are working hard to provide greater access to capital. By doing so the owner of a small business will be able to provide good paying jobs that help their community thrive and prosper.”

The guide features information on how rural entrepreneurs can use USDA and other Federal programs to access financing and other assistance to help start and expand their businesses. It includes tools to help them:

• expand their access to capital to create small business incubators.
• create value-added agricultural products.
• access high-speed internet to connect their businesses to national and global markets.
• cut energy costs.
• access health care resources to enhance the quality of life for their employees.
• access workforce development and training opportunities to improve their skills, products and services, and more.

The guide also features firsthand stories from Rural Development customers on ways USDA programs and services have helped them start or expand businesses.

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov, or contact the nearest USDA Rural Development state office.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you'd like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.