This report by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission looks at research on the supply chain in southwestern PA and suggests potential fixes to some of the issues that have arisen.

Kelly Oehler from USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service illustrated background, eligibility and program of REAP and successful stories.

Venus Welch-White, PhD, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives an overview of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). She explains the background, eligibility, success stories and the program itself.

David Thigpen, Business Program Specialist/Energy Coordinator from USDA Rural Development, presented the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) guaranteed loan program.

Penny Hexdall of the USDA describes the comprehensive approach taken by the USDA in financing the local food supply chain.

Christine Sorensen, Midwest Regional Community Economic Development Coordinator with the USDA Rural Development discussed an overview, the benefits, and comparisons of the REAP Program.

Erica Heller. with Progressive Urban Management Associates talks about programs that have been created at the state government levels to help finance the businesses and stakeholders involved in a food system. She discusses tax credit and loan...

As a part of the USDA's commitment to strengthening rural economies, a state-by-state "Made in Rural America" report has been released for each state. Each state factsheet highlights specific USDA investments in rural businesses, manufacturing,...

This guide to HUD, DOT, EPA, and USDA programs highlights federal resources rural communities can use to promote economic competitiveness, protect healthy environments, and enhance quality of life.

The White House Rural Council and six federal agencies selected 26 communities to participate in Local Foods, Local Places, a federal initiative providing direct technical support and expertise to community partners integrating local food systems...

The various targeted financing solutions to revitalize rural infrastructure and energy systems is explained in this webcast by Gary Bojes, Ph.D. of USDA, Bennett Johnson III of Ocean's Energy, Andrew Jacob with CoBank, and Christopher Sheehan of...

The various targeted financing solutions to revitalize rural infrastructure and energy systems is explained in this webcast by Gary Bojes, Ph.D. of USDA, Bennett Johnson III of Ocean's Energy, Andrew Jacob with CoBank, and Christopher Sheehan of...

In this report by the Northeast-Midwest Institute, various forms of federal assistance funds are discussed. These funds cover a wide range of areas that help build a climate-resilient economy.

As a part of the USDA's commitment to strengthening rural economies, a state-by-state "Made in Rural America" report has been released for each state. Each state factsheet highlights specific USDA investments in rural businesses, manufacturing,...

As a part of the USDA's commitment to strengthening rural economies, a state-by-state "Made in Rural America" report has been released for each state. Each state factsheet highlights specific USDA investments in rural businesses, manufacturing,...

As a part of the USDA's commitment to strengthening rural economies, a state-by-state "Made in Rural America" report has been released for each state. Each state factsheet highlights specific USDA investments in rural businesses, manufacturing,...

Alan Stephen explains the variety of USDA programs, including programs geared towards financing rural housing, community facilities, business, energy, utilities, water/wastewater, and telecommunication projects.

In this presentation, Gray Smith, President and CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council, examines rural financing strategies. Aggie Bonds are explained in detail, including eligibility and the application process.

This resource is an overview of USDA Rural Development Rural Business—Cooperative Programs, opportunities, and funding. The programs include B&I Guaranteed Loan Program, Specialty Programs Division, Energy Programs Division, and Cooperative Programs.

The USDA Rural Development New York State Office released this guide, which gives information on USDA Rural Development FY14 Financing Programs for Community & Economic Development.

One of the keys to rural prosperity is for rural communities to come together on a regional basis to develop a strategic plan for building a stronger economy. The USDA is helping to build a more prosperous rural America by providing financial...

This document is by the USDA Rural Development and is a monthly document about cooperatives. The document recognizes the important role that cooperatives play in strengthening the economy, providing greater economic opportunity, and creating member...

Slides from Rob Lane and Jeff Stouffer's presentation of the USDA Pennsylvania State Office business and community lending programs for rural areas and small towns.

Rob Lane and Jeff Stouffer of the USDA Pennsylvania State Office share information on the lending programs available for rural areas and small towns in this state focused webcast.

Howard Henderson from the USDA discusses the many rural development programs the department offers.

This guide was developed by USDA Rural Development for existing and prospective rural business owners to identify and explain the many government programs and resources available in Oregon to help plan, develop and finance a business.

Rocky Mountain Farmers Union released this document highlighting four case studies of food and agriculture entrepreneurs. The report focuses on their various successes and failures accessing capital and expanding their businesses.

This progress report from the USDA takes a look over the 2013 performance of rural development programs in the state.

This progress report from the USDA takes a look over the 2013 performance of rural development programs in the state.

This progress report from the USDA takes a look over the 2013 performance of rural development programs in the state.

This progress report from the USDA takes a look over the 2013 performance of rural development programs in the state.

James Elliot with USDA Rural Development explains the array of financing tools offered by USDA to support energy efficiency investments in rural communities, as well as trends and outcomes.

The 2013 USDA Rural Development Progress Report highlights how investments have helped rural communities and entrepreneurs finance homes, business expansions, and economic development over the past year.

This reference is a helpful tool to locate basic information regarding USDA programs in California. Each program is accompanied with such information as who may borrow, terms and limits, prohibited uses and user fees.

Bruce Crain & Alan Hodges discuss the various financing mechanisms available to entrepreneurs looking to establish a commercial biomass facility. The authors outline tools including: USDA loans, tax-increment financing, bonds, tax credits, and more.

Glenda Humiston presents on the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's funding and technical assistance programs, which include Business & Cooperatives Development, Community Facilities & Rural Utilities, Water, Sewer & Solid Waste Systems, and Single,...

Rural funding programs such as loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy development and business startups are summarized here in a presentation by Vicki Walker with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) published this guide for people who need financial assistance starting, expanding, or maintaining a farm or ranch. FSA provides information on loan programs, requirements, and application process as well as links to...

USDA Rural Development Business and Cooperative Programs can support private rural businesses and farmers who are undertaking either renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. The programs listed here, most notably the Rural Energy for America...

The State of California – Business Investment Guide serves as a reference document to highlight California’s strategic business advantages, new state-sponsored initiatives, incentives as well as existing technical and financial assistance programs.

The U.S. Department of Energy has released a guide to financial resources for clean energy to serve state, local and tribal leaders seeking to build a robust, clean energy economy. This guide provides a snapshot of the federal finance facilities...

The CDFI Fund‘s Capacity Building Initiative for Financing Healthy Food Options track was created to prepare community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to effectively deploy financial resources to healthy food projects benefitting...

Molly Hammond with U.S. Department of Agriculture shares financing opportunities offered through various USDA programs. These programs invested more than $590M in Illinois in 2012 and have made a tremendously positive impact on rural businesses and...

Dan Beasley discusses the United States Department of Agriculture, through the Office of Rural Development, programs to assist rural businesses. Beasley also discusses a few noteworthy programs that may be of assistance to reshored manufacturers.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Farm Service Agency created this fact sheet to help beginning, niche and family farm operations understand the Microloan (ML) program. The fact sheet provides information on program overview, eligible uses, application...

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture released this report on rural development programs. The report contains program backgrounds and case studies of projects that have had transcending impacts on rural communities across the nation.

Deborah DeMasi at Nixon Peabody covers sources of debt, specifically DOE and USDA loans, loan guarantees, and grants.

Tremendously useful document from Wisconsin's Office of Energy Independence. This document provides comprehensive, detailed information of all state and federal grants, loans, bonds, credits, and programs that can be utilized for clean energy...

Agricultural Processing Renaissance Zones were created to promote processing operations and the overall agriculture industry.

Mark Riedy of Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glosky and Popeo discusses the current and near-future states of federal finance programs for renewable energy development.