USDA Rural Development Rural Opportunity Grants announced last week money for training and technical assistance for business development, entrepreneurs, and economic development officials and to assist with economic development planning.

There is $50,000 for projects serving a single state, the project must be rural and funds may be provided for development of export markets; feasibility studies; development of long term trade strategies; community economic development planning; business training and business based technical assistance for rural entrepreneurs and business managers; establishment of rural business incubators; and assistance with technology based economic development. The types of projects that may be funded might include identification/analysis of business opportunities that will utilize local material and human resources; provision of leadership development training to existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers; business support centers; centers for training, technology and export trade; and, economic development planning.

Applications are due March 31, 2008.