Staff writer
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for grants designed to promote rural business growth.
The USDA has $5.6 million available through the Rural Community Development Initiative program and will center around projects focused on education and business recruitment.
Marion city economic development director and zoning administrator Roger Holter said the grants would apply to all Marion County towns.
The grant awards up to $200,000 for technical assistance and training to create new local business opportunities.
“The city has used rural grants in the past,” he said. “This is a new grant released by the USDA for job creation. If Marion were to apply for this grant, we would probably look at a partnership between the city and USD 408 and their career pathing program.”
Grants are available to both public and private enterprises. According to Jessica Bowser, public affairs specialist of rural development in Kansas for USDA, the grants are often awarded to communities for planning and coaching purposes.
Those wishing to apply for the grants must submit an application to the USDA Rural Development State Office, 1303 SW. 1st American Place Suite 11 Topeka, KS 66604 by Nov. 1. Those wishing for more information call (785) 271-2730.