United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer today announced the Department is investing $2.77 million in grant funding to help rural businesses in 12 Kansas communities.
“The USDA is committed to helping rural, agricultural businesses expand and diversify their products,” Fischer said. “Today’s investments will help companies hire more workers and reach new customers. It will help entrepreneurs and farmers create jobs, grow businesses and find new and better markets for the items they produce.”
The specific funding for the 12 Kansas communities is:
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- A $745,476 grant will support a jobs accelerator partnership to improve the ability of rural communities to create high wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses and help rural communities maximize local assets. Neosho County Community College, an institution of higher learning, is partnering with Southeast Kansas Works, a local workforce development board, and the Chanute Regional Development Authority, an economic development organization, to renovate 24,000 square feet of the Neosho County Innovation & Technology Center (NCITC) to provide advanced manufacturing training, business development support, and programming for entrepreneurs. The program will provide training to 50 students and support 75 community partners within the first year of operations.
- A $237,342 grant will be used to expand Front Range Yakco's packaged and frozen yak meat product line, diversify into new markets and increase sales. Working capital funds for the Lenora company will be used for marketing, travel, additional raw commodity and processing supplies. Two jobs will be created as result of the project.
- A $210,000 grant will help expand Central Grazing Company's packaged lamb meat product line, diversify into new markets and increase sales. Working capital funds for the Lawrence company will be used for processing supplies, storage and fulfillment costs. Two jobs will be created as result of the project.
- A $249,996 grant will be used to expand the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska's cryo packaged beef product line, diversify into new markets and increase sales. Working capital funds will be used for processing supplies, marketing and outreach, sales support, licensing, project management, e-commerce enhancement and raw commodity supplement. Two and a half jobs will be created as result of the project.
- A $249,915 grant will be used to expand Fresh Farm Headquarters Cooperative's locally sourced fruit, vegetables, beef, pork, chicken, cheese and eggs for its retail sales. Working capital funds will be used for staffing, expanding their farm-share program and establishing an a-la-carte retail option for this Kansas City, Kansas, company.
- A $250,000 grant will be used to expand Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery's hard cider product. Working capital funds will be used for staffing, marketing and supplies for this Leavenworth company.
- A $48,813 grant will be used to expand The Burning Barrel's farm-to-table heritage breed pork operation. Working capital funds will be used for meat processing, supplies, marketing and distribution for this Lecompton business.
- A $49,999 grant will be used to expand Pat & Rachel's Garden operation of selling canned, frozen and freeze-dried vegetables, herbs, fruits and soups. Funds will be used to expand processing capacity, marketing and supplies for this Olathe business.
- A $184,000 grant will be used to expand Schenker Family Farms' packaged beef, lamb, pork and chicken product lines, diversify into new markets and increase sales. Working capital funds will be used for marketing, packaging, supplies and streamlining the supply chain of this McCune business.
- A $250,000 grant will be used to expand Diamond C Food Service's beef and pork processing facility, diversify into new markets and increase sales. Working capital funds will also be used for supplies, wages, utilities and advertising. As a result of this project five jobs will be created in this Atchison business.
- A $48,850 grant will be used to expand Blackberry Moon Produce's fresh retail packaged, locally grown vegetable facility by diversifying into a new market of direct-to-customer products and increasing sales. Working capital funds will be used for supplies, website, advertising and labeling. As a result of this project one job will be created at this Columbus business.
- A $250,000 grant will be used to expand Boot Hill Distillery's ready-to-drink canned and bottled craft cocktail product line, diversify into new markets and increase sales. Working Capital funds will be used for marketing, processing supplies and distribution costs. As a result of the project one job will be created at this Dodge City business.
Background:
Programs used for this funding include Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grants and Value-Added Producer Grants.
These programs are part of a suite of business and cooperative services that are projected to help create or save more than 50,000 rural jobs in America through investments made in fiscal year 2021.
Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page. Follow us on Twitter at @RurDev_Kansas.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
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