WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced it is accepting applications to advance economic development and create jobs for people in rural America.

USDA is making this funding available under the Rural Business Development Grant program to support business opportunities or business enterprise projects in rural communities. Organizations eligible to receive funding include rural towns, communities, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally recognized Tribes, public colleges and non-profit cooperatives.

Projects must be consistent with local community and economic development strategic plans. They must also support other economic development activities in the surrounding community.

Funds may be used to establish business support centers or to finance job training and leadership development in rural areas. They may also be used to repair or modernize buildings; finance feasibility studies or business plans; or purchase equipment to lease to small or emerging businesses.

Applications must be submitted to the nearest USDA Rural Development state office where the project is located by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28. For more information, visit Grants.gov or see page 84123 of the Dec. 4, 2023, Federal Register.