Mark Reisinger, USDA Rural Development state director in Iowa, announced on June 20 that seven organizations in Iowa are receiving $477,000 in Rural Business Enterprise Grants from USDA's Rural Development agency.

This program, available in communities of 50,000 or less, helps finance and facilitate the development of small and emerging private business enterprises. "We are very pleased to be assisting seven organizations with their job-creation efforts in rural Iowa," says Reisinger. "With the expansion of broadband and the Internet, the growth of telecommuting, along with development of the renewable energy industry, it is an exciting time for rural America."

Organizations getting funds: Clayton County Development Group, ($50,000), Ida County Economic Development Corporation, ($89,003), Newton Development Corporation ($10,000), Iowa Central Community College ($74,990), Sigourney Area Development Corporation ($89,004), Entrepreneurial Development Center ($74,999) and Adams Community Development Corporation ($89,004).

Agency is doing a lot for rural Iowa

Rural Development is an equal opportunity lender with direct and guaranteed rural credit programs involving single- and multi-family housing, community facilities, water and sewer development and business and cooperative programs. This past year the USDA agency helped create or retain nearly 2,100 jobs in rural Iowa, aided 1,300 families in buying their own home and assisted 100 communities in improving community facilities and upgrading local infrastructure.

"All of our programs are voluntary. We are always on the lookout for individuals and groups wanting to grow in rural Iowa," says Reisinger. "We are constantly looking to partner with new rural businesses to advance our mission of ensuring the best possible quality of life for all rural Americans. Give us a call today."

USDA Rural Development has 11 offices in Iowa serving 1.9 million Iowans living in rural areas and communities. Office locations include a state office in Des Moines, along with area offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, LeMars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.
The mission is to deliver programs to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity the agency offers equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information about the programs is available by calling 515-284-4663, or stopping by any Rural Development office or visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov/ia.