Opportunity Information: Apply for RDBCP 2012 RBOG
Apply for RDBCP 2012 RBOG
- The Business and Cooperative Programs in the agriculture other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) regional development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.773 Rural Business Opportunity Grants.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 7, 2012 and posted on Jun 7, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 6, 2012 Complete paper applications must be in the USDA Rural Development State Office by the deadline date, 4 p.m. local time. Electronic applications submitted through Grants.gov will be accepted by the system through midnight eastern time on the deadline date. late applications will not be considerd for FY2012 funding.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $2,370,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 35 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Grants may be made to public bodies, nonprofit corporations, institutions of higher education, Indian tribes on Federal or State reservations and other Federally recognized tribal groups, and cooperatives with members that are primarily rural residents.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) is a competitive USDA Rural Development grant program designed to strengthen the economic outlook of rural communities, especially those facing exceptional needs. The core purpose is sustainable economic development, meaning the funding is aimed at building long-term capacity in rural places rather than supporting short-lived or one-time activities. In practice, the program focuses on improving the economic conditions of rural areas by helping communities plan, organize, and develop the tools and support systems needed for business growth, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
Under this opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number RDBCP 2012 RBOG; CFDA 10.773), USDA indicates that assistance may support activities such as establishing or strengthening rural business incubators, pursuing technology-based economic development efforts, conducting feasibility studies, preparing business plans, and undertaking long-term strategic planning for business and economic development. It also emphasizes leadership development and entrepreneur training, recognizing that rural economic growth often depends on local skills, networks, and practical know-how as much as it depends on access to capital. The announcement further notes an interest in applications that promote regional economic development, suggesting proposals that connect multiple communities or align with broader regional strategies may be especially encouraged.
The grant is discretionary and awarded through a competitive selection process. For this funding cycle, the estimated total funding is $2,370,000, with an anticipated 35 awards. Individual awards are capped at $50,000 (award ceiling). There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement stated for this opportunity, which can make it more accessible to small organizations or rural entities that have limited ability to provide non-federal matching funds.
Eligible applicants include a range of organizations tied to public service and rural development, including public bodies, nonprofit corporations, institutions of higher education, federally recognized tribes (including tribes on federal or state reservations and other federally recognized tribal groups), and cooperatives whose members are primarily rural residents. The administering agency is USDA Rural Development, Business and Cooperative Programs, which generally focuses on rural business support and cooperative development.
Key administrative dates for this specific notice show it was posted June 7, 2012, with an application deadline of August 6, 2012, and an archive date of September 5, 2012. The submission rules highlighted that paper applications had to arrive at the USDA Rural Development State Office by 4 p.m. local time on the deadline date, while electronic submissions through Grants.gov would be accepted until midnight Eastern Time. Late applications were not considered for FY2012 funding.
For applicants needing assistance accessing the full announcement or having questions, the listed program contact is Gail Thuner at 202-720-8460.
Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) FAQs
What is the Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG)?
The Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) is a competitive USDA Rural Development grant program intended to strengthen the economic outlook of rural communities, with particular attention to places facing exceptional needs. The emphasis is on sustainable economic development, meaning projects should build long-term capacity rather than support short-lived or one-time activities.
What agency runs this grant program?
The administering agency is USDA Rural Development, Business and Cooperative Programs.
What is the official funding opportunity identification for this notice?
This opportunity is identified as Funding Opportunity Number RDBCP 2012 RBOG and CFDA 10.773.
Is this grant competitive or formula-based?
This is a discretionary grant awarded through a competitive selection process.
What is the main purpose of RBOG funding?
The core purpose is sustainable economic development in rural areas. Funding is aimed at strengthening long-term local capacity for business growth, entrepreneurship, and job creation by supporting planning, organizing, and development of tools and support systems.
What types of activities can RBOG funds support?
USDA indicates that assistance may support activities such as:
- Establishing or strengthening rural business incubators
- Technology-based economic development efforts
- Feasibility studies
- Preparing business plans
- Long-term strategic planning for business and economic development
- Leadership development
- Entrepreneur training
Does the program prioritize any particular approach to economic development?
The announcement notes an interest in applications that promote regional economic development. Proposals that connect multiple communities or align with broader regional strategies may be especially encouraged.
What kinds of outcomes is the program trying to achieve in rural areas?
Based on the description, the program is focused on improving economic conditions in rural communities by supporting the planning and capacity-building work that enables business growth, entrepreneurship, and job creation over the long term.
How much total funding was estimated for this funding cycle?
The estimated total funding for this cycle was $2,370,000.
How many awards were anticipated?
USDA anticipated approximately 35 awards for this cycle.
What is the maximum award amount?
Individual awards are capped at $50,000 (the award ceiling).
Is there a cost-share or matching requirement?
No cost-sharing or matching requirement is stated for this opportunity.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Public bodies
- Nonprofit corporations
- Institutions of higher education
- Federally recognized tribes (including tribes on federal or state reservations and other federally recognized tribal groups)
- Cooperatives whose members are primarily rural residents
Are tribal governments and tribal groups eligible?
Yes. The notice lists federally recognized tribes as eligible, including tribes on federal or state reservations and other federally recognized tribal groups.
Are cooperatives eligible to apply?
Yes. Cooperatives are eligible if their members are primarily rural residents.
When was this notice posted?
The notice was posted on June 7, 2012.
What was the application deadline for this specific notice?
The application deadline was August 6, 2012.
When was this opportunity archived?
The archive date was September 5, 2012.
What were the submission rules for paper applications?
Paper applications had to arrive at the USDA Rural Development State Office by 4 p.m. local time on the deadline date.
What were the submission rules for electronic applications?
Electronic submissions through Grants.gov were accepted until midnight Eastern Time on the deadline date.
Were late applications accepted?
No. Late applications were not considered for FY2012 funding.
Who can applicants contact for more information?
The listed program contact is Gail Thuner at 202-720-8460.
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