USDA OFFERS RURAL GRANTS FOR EMERGING BUSINESSES

(AP) -- Groups that want help energizing their communities can apply for grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The department is seeking applications for the Rural Business Enterprise Grant program, which is open to public bodies, nonprofits and American Indian tribes that want to finance small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Grants may be used for technical assistance, acquisition of land, buildings and other things. Rural is defined as communities and cities with a population of 50,000 or less. The deadline to apply is March 31. For more information, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbeg.htm.