USDA Rural Development provides financial and technical resources in rural areas in order to support community and economic development opportunities, as well as improve quality of life issues. Programs and services include small business loan guarantees; grants for energy efficiency improvements and energy equipment purchases; and grants and loan funds for nonprofit economic development organizations and municipalities serving small business development.
Contact: Steven Epstein, Business Programs Specialist

Additional resources:

• Business Programs
• Loan and Grant Programs
• Funding Opportunities
• Cooperative Programs
• Special Initiatives
• Manufacturing Support

URL: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/vt/