Obama Administration Announces $15 Million Rural Jobs and Accelerator Challenge

Thirteen federal agencies, led by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), will provide up to $15 million in funding and other resources to assist in job creation and economic growth in rural areas. The Rural Jobs and Accelerator Challenge is intended to leverage local assets and foster connections to industry in up to 20 rural regions across the country. Approximately $750,000 may be made available per award. Applications are required to provide matching funds and apply for funding from both the EDA and USDA. USDA will target investments to support technical assistance to develop rural communities' capacity and ability to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities or economic and community development. EDA will target investments to support projects that create regional linkages by connecting communities with innovation clusters and regional opportunities leading to job creation, expanded markets and economic growth. To be eligible for an award, projects must benefit rural communities, but the applicant is not required to be located in a rural area. U.S. states, local governments, institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations are can collaborate to apply for funding. Although businesses not eligible to apply directly, businesses may collaborate with the applicatants on implementation. The deadline for applications is May 9, 2012. Read the request for proposals. The EDA, USDA and its partners will hold a webinar on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 3:00 PM EDT to provide an overview of the program and answer questions from the audience. Register here to attend the webinar. If you are unable to attend, the webinar will be recorded and made available on the initiative's website. In addition to the EDA and the USDA, the Rural Jobs and Accelerator Challenge is supported by 11 other federal agencies that will assist by providing funding or resources to the awardees: the Delta Regional Authority; the Appalachian Regional Commission; the Patent and Trademark Office; the National Institute of Standards and Technology — Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Denali Commission; Department of Education; Department of Labor; U.S. Department of Energy; Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and the Small Business Administration. Read the Department of Commerce press release.