Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities March 16, 2026
Innovation Matters Educational Opportunities 02/23/2026
Innovation Matters Educational Opportunities 01/12/2026
Education Opportunities - March 2024
3/25 | Virtual:
Learn How to Strategically Apply for Active Transportation Funding. Join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to learn how to strategically apply for the new program dedicated solely to the development of connected walking and biking routes within and between communities.
3/27 | Virtual:
USDA RD’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program Webinar. Join to learn more about this premier program!
3/28 | Virtual:
Accessibility in Rural Tourism and Agritourism. This webinar will focus on accessibility in rural tourism and agritourism. If you have accessibility accommodation requests, please note these in the appropriate field during registration.
3/28 | Virtual:
Building a Wealth Creation Learning Community. NADO Research Foundation, in partnership with the Aspen Institute, host quarterly webinars showcasing Economic Development Districts using wealth creation.
Recorded:
USDA’s 100th Agricultural Outlook Forum. Recordings of all Forum sessions are available on the event platform.
USDA RD ReConnect Program Webinars. Round 5.
Rural Utilities Service will provide program information for potential applicants. See the ReConnect website and check the events page for future workshops and recordings.
3/28 | Virtual:
Building a Wealth Creation Learning Community. NADO Research Foundation in partnership with the Aspen Institute, host quarterly webinars showcasing Economic Development Districts using wealth creation.
4/2-5 | Various:
America’s Seed Fund Road Tour–South. Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs, supported by USDA NIFA, tour the South leg of America’s Seed Fund Road Tour to help entrepreneurs, researchers, small technology firms, and others navigate the over $4 billion in early-stage funding opportunities through America’s Seed Fund. Join the tour with stops in Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
4/8 | Virtual:
Join the Small Business Administration and USDA for the Boots to Business Reboot webinar for Veteran Beginning Farmers and Ranchers.
Innovation Matters Educational Opportunities July 21, 2023
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7/27: Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities June 23, 2023
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Innovation Matters Educational Opportunities May 24, 2023
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Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities March 21, 2023
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Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities, February 15, 2023
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Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities 01/19/2023
Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities 12/20/2022
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Innovation Matter Educational Opportunities November 21. 2022
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USDA RD Featured Success Story:
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Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities 10/21/2022
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Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities 08/18/2022
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Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities 07/19/2022
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Educational Opportunities June 14, 2022
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Innovation Matter Educational Opportunities May 19. 2022
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Educational Opportunities, April 27, 2022
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Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities 04/20/2022
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Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities, 03/16/2022
Resources
Interagency Working Group (IWG) on Coal and Power Plant Communities & Economic Revitalization’s Centralized Funding Clearinghouse
The IWG created a centralized online clearinghouse for energy communities centralizing funding opportunities across the federal government. Access a recorded webinar for step-by-step instructions for navigation and guidance on search and filter functions.
A Guidebook to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The White House offers this Guidebook as a roadmap on funding available under the law. It explains, in as much detail as currently available, how much funding is available at the program level. The primary goal is to help partners know what to apply for, who to contact for help and how to prepare to apply for funding. Upcoming webinars to learn more about some of the programs covered in the Guidebook and BIL include:
- 3/22: White House | Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook Webinar Series: Environmental Remediation
- 3/24: White House | Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook Webinar Series: Broadband
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Toolkit
The U.S. Department of Energy’s offers this four-part compilation of resources that state and local governments can use to navigate barriers and benefit from C-PACE financing to make more informed decisions and ensure their programs achieve public purpose objectives.
Events and Learning Opportunities
U.S. Department of Agriculture Events:
3/17: USDA Actions on Nutrition Security
Recorded: USDA & HHS | Make Every Bite Count: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. Print Materials & Figures
Find past workshop recordings at the USDA Rural Development YouTube Channel
Other Learning Opportunities:
3/29-30: Women’s Business Summit: “Ask an Expert” workshops, and fireside chats to help women-owned small businesses build, scale, and grow. The event will be held in co-sponsorship with the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
3/30: 2nd Annual GSA Virtual Meet and Match: Supporting the Success of Women-Owned Small Businesses
Recorded: SCORE for Women Entrepreneurs: Free Webinars & Find a free Mentor
Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities 2/15/2022
Resources
Resources for Rural Entrepreneurs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development NEW guide to support rural entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen America’s economy.
USDA Launches Major Initiative for Climate Smart Agriculture
USDA Radio News
Radio clip highlights this new program: USDA NRCS- Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities–Building Markets and Investing in America’s Climate-Smart Farmers, Ranchers & Forest Owners to Strengthen U.S. Rural and Agricultural Communities. Application Deadlines: 4/8/2022 and 5/27/2022.
USDA Expands Access to Four Key Loan Programs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development is expanding access to four loan guarantee programs that provide funding to help rural communities create jobs and improve local infrastructure.
Tribal Treaty Database
Various Organizations
USDA in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Oklahoma State University and the USDA Hall of Tribal Nations offer this informational database.
USDA Emergency Rural Health Care Grant – Comments Requested
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development seeks comments on the Emergency Rural Health Care Grant, which provides emergency funding to help rural hospitals and local communities increase access to COVID-19 vaccines, health care services (including telehealth) and other support for the long-term sustainability. Comment Deadline: 3/4/22.
Charging Forward: A Toolkit for Planning and Funding Rural Electric Mobility Infrastructure U.S. Department of Transportation
Guidance to assist rural community members, towns, businesses, planning agencies and others identify key project partners and funding/financing to make their Electronic Vehicle project a reality.
Investing in Rural Recovery: Findings from a Rapid Assessment of Stakeholder Priorities for Rural Development
Regional Rural Development Centers
Findings from a survey on key priorities and critical investments for rural communities regarding recovery and growth. Indicators of Broadband Need Digital Map The National Telecommunications & Information Administration developed a mapping tool with multiple data sources to help users better understand the digital divide and connection between poverty and the lack of broadband.
Events and Learning Opportunities
USDA Rural Development Events:
2/24-2/25: Agricultural Outlook Forum — Sign up now!
Find past workshop recordings at the USDA Rural Development YouTube Channel
Other Learning Opportunities:
2/24: ARC’s INSPIRE Pre-Application Workshop for the Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems Program. Letter of Intent Deadline: 3/3/2022
3/1-3/24: Project for Public Spaces: How to Create Successful Markets
4/4-4/7: Appalachian Regional Commission Outdoor Economy Conference
5/2-5/5: 2022 National Outdoor Recreation Conference
Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities, 1/25/2022
Publications and Resources
The 90-Day Trucking Apprenticeship Challenge
This challenge kicks off on Dec.16 and seeks to promote the apprenticeship model as a solution to get more well-trained drivers on the road. The challenge asks employers who are ready to step up to commit to accelerating the development of new apprenticeship programs and help expand existing ones through new employer and labor partnerships to support recruitment, retention and return on investment in the trucking industry. View the fact sheet
MBDA Request for Comments: Rural Business Center Program
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included statutory authority within the Minority Business Development Act (the Act) for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to establish a Rural Business Center Program. MBDA is seeking public comment on various issues related to rural areas and rural minority business enterprises to inform the agency and provide fundamental information regarding this sector of the economy. Federal Register Notice. Comments accepted on or before January 25, 2022
Action Plan for Climate Adaptation and Resilience
USDA released a framework for how their climate hubs will prepare American farmers, ranchers and land managers for the current and anticipated impacts of climate change.
FEMA Resources for Climate Change
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released a publication intended to assist state, local, tribal and territorial partners in navigating their resources regarding climate change.
Join the First-Ever 50001 Ready Wastewater Cohort
Wastewater treatment facilities are invited this new Wastewater Cohort as part of DOE 50001 Ready Program to learn how to implement a robust energy management system based on the global ISO 50001 energy management system standard.
DOE Expands their Weatherization Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides help to state, local and tribal governments to enhance their residential Weatherization Assistance Program to lower energy costs for consumers.
Events and Learning Opportunities
USDA Rural Development Events:
Feb. 8-10: USDA RD Broadband ReConnect Information and Application Process Workshop
Feb. 24-25: Agricultural Outlook Forum
Recorded: USDA RD-Biofuel Producer Program
Recorded: USDA Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program Lender Webinar
Find past workshop recordings at the USDA Rural Development YouTube Channel.
Other Learning Opportunities:
Recorded: CDFA’s Preserving Local Food Systems Series
Recorded: CDFA’s Infrastructure Finance Series
Recorded: NTIA Broadband Grant Program Public Listening Sessions
April 4-7: Appalachian Regional Commission Outdoor Economy Conference
May 2-5: 2022 National Outdoor Recreation Conference
Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities 12/15/2021
Publications and Resources
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
On Nov. 15, 2021, President Joe Biden signed an infrastructure deal providing a vital investment into our nation’s infrastructure and clean energy landscape.
Charting a Course for an Equity-Centered Data System
This Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report encourages all parties to combine efforts to transform public health data systems to reimagine how data is collected, shared, and used to better identify the investments needed to improve health equity.
USDA Support for Food Banks and Emergency Food Systems
USDA Food and Nutrition Service piece outlines USDAs expected investment, of approximately $2 billion, to support the nation’s emergency food system in fiscal year 2022.
The USDA Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative
USDA is partnering with tribal-serving organizations on seven projects to reimagine federal food and agriculture programs from an Indigenous perspective and inform future USDA programs and policies.
Rural Development and Rural Health Practices: Trends and Opportunities for Alignment
This Aspen Institute piece describes trends and catalysts between rural economic community development and rural public health care and also notes how connections can propel rural prosperity.
Events and Learning Opportunities
USDA Rural Development Events:
12/17:USDA Rural Development’s NEW Biofuel Producer Program Informational Webinar
12/20: Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program Lender Webinar
2/24 – 2/25: Agricultural Outlook Forum
Find past workshop recordings at the USDA Rural Development YouTube Channel.
Other Learning Opportunities:
Recorded: Impact of COVID-19-Organizations Serving Low- to Moderate-Income Communities
Various Dates: NTIA Broadband Grant Program Public Listening Sessions
1/18: Reaching Your Agritourism Target Market: Booking Sites for Farm Stays/Experiences
Educational Opportunities, November 24, 2021
Publications and Resources
Native Learning Center’s Hoporenkv Podcast
Learn more about USDA Rural Development’s ReConnect Program on the latest episode.
Investing in Rural Prosperity
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ extensive study examining policy, governance and economic development in rural and tribal communities with strategies for local capacity building in rural America.
Tourism Led Development: A Likely Entrepreneurial Development Opportunity Strategy Guide
e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems offers this guide to provide strategies for growing a more resilient and diverse economy around rural tourism.
Resilient Strategies Guide
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with the support of community partners, offers this Guide and many other Resources, including a listing of upcoming events, through the Creating Resilient Water Utilities initiative which provides technical assistance to drinking water, waste water and storm water utilities around the country.
Measuring the Economic and Human Impact of Nonprofit Organizations in Rural America
National Rural Housing Coalition impact report highlights key federal programs that support affordable housing and community infrastructure, including water and wastewater disposal.
Land-Based Wind, Offshore Wind and Distributed Wind Reports
Three market reports released by the U.S. Department of Energy detail trends in wind development, technology, cost and performance through the end of 2020, reveal that Wind energy grew at a record pace representing the largest source of new additions to the U.S. electric-generating capacity.
Events and Learning Opportunities
USDA Rural Development Events:
11/30 & 12/1: USDA RD Water & Wastewater Environmental Programs Tribal Consultation
Find past workshop recordings at the USDA Rural Development YouTube Channel.
Other Learning Opportunities:
11/30: Building Development Muscle in Rural and Native Nation Communities
11/20, 12/3: 2021 Housing Assistance Council’s Biennial National Rural Housing Conference
12/6-12/8: Native American Indian Housing Council 2021 Legal Symposium
12/7-12/9: Intertribal Agricultural Council (IAC) Annual Conference
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 07/15/2021
Events and Learning Opportunities
USDA Rural Development Events:
7/15: Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) Workshop: Resources for Employers and Employees in the Clean Energy Industry
Join USDA and members of RWIN to learn about resources to support rural employees and employers in the clean energy industry. USDA hosts monthly RWIN workshops. Visit www.rd.usda.gov/rwin to sign up for future workshops.
7/21: Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC) Office Hours
USDA staff will be available for Q&A about the application process.
7/28: OneRD Guarantee Lender Office Hours
USDA invites lenders to attend office hours to learn more about the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative.
Other Learning Opportunities:
7/16: Pathfinders: Climate-Smart Solutions from Rural America and Native Nations
Join Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group, the Housing Assistance Council, the Rural Community Assistance Partnership and Rural LISC to hear stories and glean practical tips from rural regions that are leading the way to this better future through climate-smart innovations.
7/20: Talent Forward: Addressing the Workforce Shortage
Join US Chamber of Commerce Foundation to address worker shortage challenges from multiple vantage points — with a focus on solutions.
8/10-8/11: Create Thriving Communities Virtual Event
Affordable Housing Finance and Multifamily Executive takes a deep dive into the critical need for missing middle housing. Content will focus on all angles of finance, design, development, and management.
8/12: Telecom Program FY2022 Request for Services Best Practices Webinar
Join the RHC program team as we walkthrough the FCC Form 465 and discuss best practices for submitting your FY22 request for services
COVID-19 Recovery Resources
Biden-Harris Administration Extends Foreclosure Moratorium to Provide Relief to Homeowners
The U.S. Department of Agriculture extended through July 31, 2021, the moratorium on foreclosures from properties financed by USDA Single-Family Housing Direct and Guaranteed loans. These actions will bring relief to hundreds-of-thousands of residents in rural America who have housing loans through USDA.
Biden-Harris Administration Extends Moratorium of Residential Evictions in USDA Multifamily Housing Communities in Accordance with CDC Guidance
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended through July 31, 2021, the moratorium on evictions of the hundreds-of-thousands of Americans who live in multifamily housing communities supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Emergency Connectivity Fund
Universal Service Administrative Company
The Federal Communications Commission is making funds available to help schools and libraries provide the tools and services their communities need for remote learning during the COVID-19 emergency period. Deadline: Aug. 13, 2021
Crisis Community Care Fund
Pride Foundation
The Pride Foundation is making grants available for groups and organizations meeting emerging needs of LGBTQ+ communities due to the impacts of COVID-19 in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Rural, Black, Indigenous, and people of color are priority populations. Application Deadline: Year-round
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 06/22/2021
Publications and Resources
USDA Resource Guide for Rural Workforce Development
USDA unveiled a resource guide to help rural community leaders start and expand employment opportunities and access resources to train, recruit and create a sustainable rural workforce.
USDA Publishes Federal Register Notice for Public Input on Racial Justice and Equity
USDA published a notice requesting public input on its efforts to advance racial justice and equity across the Department. It will be available for public input until July 15, 2021, via the Federal Register.
Top Tips for Helping Your Small Business Survive a Disaster or a Crisis
Natural disasters can be a nightmare for small businesses. SCORE outlines tips that can help you take step-by-step approach to survive and rebuild a business after any kind of calamity.
Atlas of Rural and Small-Town America
View the diversity of challenges and opportunities across America’s counties. View indicators about people, jobs, income, veterans, and county types. The atlas has been updated to include annual unemployment/employment data for 2020; earlier estimates were revised.
NTIA Creates First Interactive Map to Help Public See the Digital Divide Across the Country NTIA map links poverty usage and broadband access by compiling data sets to show where high-poverty communities are located with relation to internet usage patterns and access to computers and related equipment
Event Opportunities
OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative Quarterly Lender Feedback Forum
June 23 | Virtual Forum
USDA Rural Development invites lenders to join the second session of a quarterly feedback forum who are interested in applying to, or have applied to, programs under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative.
BroadbandUSA Webinar Series: NTIA Broadband Grant Programs
National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) offers various workshops to discuss the three new broadband grant programs:
Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Grants Program
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Grants Program
Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program
CDFA Rural Development Finance Webinar: Best Practices for Rural Development Finance Agencies
Aug. 31 | Webinar
Discover best practices of development finance agencies to help you identify the right partner for your projects.
Cooperating to Enhance Native American Food Economies
Aug. 2- 5 | Virtual
This webinar series will explore the role of cooperatives in developing agriculture infrastructure and food systems in Indian Country.
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 06/08/2021
Publications and Resources
A Proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month, 2021
President Biden proclaims June 2021 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month.
Housing Assistance Council (HAC)
HAC has flexible loan capital available to support preservation of USDA Section 515 properties, HUD-subsidized properties, and naturally occurring affordable housing in rural places.
Community Capacity Building, Shaping the Future of Hometowns
This paper published by e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, within their Rural Community Prosperity Development Framework, offers capacity building assistance to communities to lead in successful economic development.
Recovery Housing Program (RHP) Quick Guides
HUD provides rules and requirements for implementing the RHP program, examples of nationally recognized models for implementing recovery housing, best practices for forming partnerships across sectors, and guidance for accessing peer-to-peer support.
A New Path Forward: Place-Based Solutions for a Stronger Workforce Ecosystem.
Accelerator for America, with funding from the Kauffman Foundation, released a guide to help develop a workforce that meets the current needs of businesses and aims to alleviate chronic unemployment. The guide includes three pathways and four best practices to develop a dynamic “workforce ecosystem.”
Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth
ProviderBridge.org was created by the Federation of State Medical Boards through the CARES Act and the FORHP-supported Licensure Portability Program. The site provides up-to-date information on emergency regulation and licensing by state as well as a provider portal to connect volunteer health care professionals to state agencies and health care entities.
Event Opportunities
Rural Workforce Innovation Network Workshop: Resources to Support Employees and Employers in the Rural Health Care Industry
June 10 | Virtual Workshop
Interested parties must register by Tuesday, June 8. Registrants will receive a calendar invitation with the Microsoft Teams link 24 hours ahead of the meeting start time.
In this workshop, representatives from USDA Rural Development and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will participate in a panel discussion to share resources to support rural employees and employers in the health care industry.
Annual Native American Economic Development Conference
June 14 – 15 | Conference
Through a variety of panels and interactive discussions, attendees will engage with top experts focusing on economic diversification.
Native CDFI 6th Annual Capital Access Virtual Convening
June 21 – 24 | Virtual Convening
Join a breakout session on June 23 to learn about the RD programs that Native CDFIs most often utilize. USDA will then present information on the process of unregulated lenders becoming an approved lender for the 502 Guaranteed Loan Homeownership Program and the OneRD Guaranteed Loan Initiative.
OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative Quarterly Lender Feedback Forum
June 23 | Virtual Forum
USDA Rural Development invites lenders to join the second session of a quarterly feedback forum who are interested in applying to, or have applied to, programs under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative.
BroadbandUSA Webinar Series: NTIA Broadband Grant Programs
National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) offers various workshops to discuss the three new broadband grant programs: The Broadband Infrastructure Program, The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and The Connecting Minority Communities Program.
Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Grants Program
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Grants Program
Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program
CDFA Rural Development Finance Webinar: Best Practices for Rural Development Finance Agencies
Aug. 31 | Webinar
Discover best practices of development finance agencies to help you identify the right partner for your projects.
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 05/23/2021
Publications and Resources
Combating Racism Advances Health Equity
In this article, HHS Office of Minority Health’s Public Health Advisor Juliet Bui writes about how the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has experienced racism during the public health crisis. Not only are actions motivated by intolerance inherently wrong, but there is also evidence that suggests that they can affect the health and mental health of individuals and communities.
A Proclamation on Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander Heritage Month President Biden reminds us, “The American story as we know it would be impossible without the strength, contributions, and legacies of Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have helped build and unite this country in each successive generation.”
The Megaphone of Main Street: Unsung Entrepreneurs
This installment of SCORE’s publication focuses on unsung entrepreneurs as critical representatives of the current U.S. small business landscape.
4 Reasons to Value U.S. National Forests
The Pew Charitable Trusts offers key reasons to protect and value our National Forests to support the environment, heritage and the economy.
ERS: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Rural America
USDA offers information on how the pandemic is affecting rural America, including the spread of cases and trends in employment/unemployment among the U.S. metro and nonmetro populations and by ERS’ county economic types.
Event Opportunities
Joint USDA & DOI Listening Session: Tribal Bison
June 1 | Virtual Listening Session
Join the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Interior for the first of a three-part series of listening sessions on Tribal Bison, co-sponsored by the Intertribal Buffalo Council.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s Annual Conference
June 1-2 | Virtual Conference
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable hosts a virtual venue where stakeholders from federal agencies, businesses and non-profits come together to discuss the future of outdoor recreation.
Rural Workforce Innovation Network Workshop: Rural Health Industry
June 10 | Virtual Workshop
Representatives from USDA Rural Development and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will participate in a panel discussion to share resources to support rural employees and employers in the health care industry. Interested parties must register by Tuesday, June 8. Registrants will receive a calendar invitation with the Microsoft Teams link 24 hours ahead of the meeting’s start time.
OneRD Guarantee Lender Feedback Forum
June 23 | Virtual Forum
Join USDA Rural Development for a feedback forum for lenders who have applied or are interested in applying to programs under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative. The forum will provide lenders the opportunity to share ideas on how USDA can improve the application process and servicing options under the initiative.
BroadbandUSDA Webinar Series: NTIA Broadband Grant Programs
National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) offers various workshops to discuss the three new broadband grant programs: The Broadband Infrastructure Program, The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and The Connecting Minority Communities Program. Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Grants Program
- Register – June 9th Webinar
- Register – June 10th Webinar
- Register – July 14th Webinar
- Register – July 15th Webinar
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Grants Program
- Register – June 16th Webinar
- Register – June 17th Webinar
- Register – July 21st Webinar Register – July 22nd Webinar
Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program
- Register – June 23rd Webinar
- Register – June 24th Webinar
- Register – July 28th Webinar
- Register – July 29th Webinar
COVID-19 Recovery Resources
Quick Links to COVID-19 Recovery Resources
- Congress: American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
- USDA: USDA to Begin Loan Payments to Socially Disadvantaged Borrowers under American Rescue Plan Act Section 1005
- USDA: American Rescue Plan Debt Payments
- USDA: Free Meals to Children Extended and Other COVID-19 Food updates
- USDA RD: COVID-19 Recovery Resources to Support Rural America
- USDA RD: Business and Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program: Application Deadline: Sept. 15 or Until Funds are Expended
- USDA FNS: Response to COVID-19
- CDC: Toolkit for Communicating About COVID-19 Vaccines
- CDC: Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities Funding. Application Deadline: May 24
- FEMA: COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Individuals and Households Program Policy
- HHS: Special Enrollment Period for Health Coverage Extended to August 15
- HHS: COVID-19 Grant Opportunities and Guidance
- HHS: We Can Do This: COVID-19 Public Education Campaign
- HHS: The COVID-19 Community Corps
- HRSA: Health Care-Related Loan Repayment and Scholarships
- SBA: COVID-19 Guidance and Resources
- SBA: Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- NIH: Community Engagement Alliance Against COVID-19 Disparities
- FCC/USAC: Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
- EDA: Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
To access programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, download the COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide.
Visit www.coronavirus.gov for the latest news from the CDC on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Visit www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus for the latest news from Rural Development on how we are helping our partners, customers, and stakeholders impacted by COVID-19.
Educational Opportunities, May 11, 2021
Publications and Resources
Sign Up to Receive Updates and Resources to Support the Recreation Economy
Subscribe to updates and resources from USDA Rural Development that can be used to support recreation economies in rural America.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Final Rule
USDA Rural Development removed provisions relating to guaranteed loans under the REAP program to enhance program delivery and customer service to support a greater distribution of funds and to clarify processing and servicing provisions. This rule is effective on July 26, 2021. Interested parties may submit comments at https://www.regulations.gov by June 28, 2021.
Solar Energy Resources for Job Seekers
U.S. Department of Energy offers solar workforce development resources to prepare workers for solar energy careers, advance their skills and educate them on the ways solar energy impacts their jobs. Learn more about how solar energy works, the DOE’s solar workforce development efforts and the Solar Energy Technologies Office.
Broadband in Rural America: Faster Speeds for Home and Healthcare
Rural Monitor provides research on how reliable broadband is essential for people to access telehealth and patient portals as well as work and study from home while rural and tribal areas still fall behind urban and suburban areas in deployment and speed.
Event Opportunities
A Discussion of Federal Resources on Addressing Anti-Asian Racism
May 11 | Webinar
The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is hosting a conference to discuss programs available to support the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
SBA Chapter Celebrates Asian Pacific American Month
May 13 | Webinar
North Florida Small Business Administration and Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida offer this webinar to honor Asian and Asian Pacific American business leaders, hear their true stories and get their advice on how to build a successful business.
Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) Workshop: Rural Apprenticeship Programs
May 13 | Webinar
Representatives from USDA Rural Development, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Rural Water Association will participate in a panel discussion on how to develop and manage an apprenticeship program.
Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) Workshop: Entrepreneurship and Workforce Training Opportunities for Tribal Communities
May 19 | Webinar
Representatives from USDA Rural Development and the National Center for American Enterprise Development will share resources and funding opportunities that can help create entrepreneurship and workforce training programs for tribal members.
Meeting the Financial Services Needs of Native Americans: Native Bank On ONAC
May 20 | Webinar
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is hosting this webinar to offer strategies for reaching unbanked Native American households, which have the highest unbanked percentage of any population.
Food Loss and Waste Innovation Fair
May 26 | Virtual Conference
U.S. Department of Agriculture will showcase investments in reducing food loss and waste. This far will feature organizations such as the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions that are developing or marketing food loss and waste reducing technologies.
BroadbandUSA Webinar Series: NTIA Broadband Grant Programs
Various Dates | Webinar Series
National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) offers dedicated webinars covering their 3 new broadband grant programs: The Broadband Infrastructure Program, The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and The Connecting Minority Communities Program. To learn a brief overview of each new program, view this previously recorded webinar on the NTIA YouTube channel. Transcripts and slides are available on BroadbandUSA website.
The Broadband Infrastructure Program
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program
Money Smart for Small Business Town Hall
June 17 | Webinar
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will showcase their Money Smart Program which provides education to help people of all ages enhance their financial skills and create positive small business banking relationships.
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 4/22/2021
Publications and Resources
Blog: Sustainable Farming with Gotham Greens
Through a partnership with USDA, utilizing the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee, Gotham Greens was able to transform a portion of the site from steel to greens, building a sustainable greenhouse that utilizes machine learning and 100 percent renewable electricity.
Workshop in a Box: Sustainable Management of Rural and Small Systems Workshops
This tool created by USDA Rural Development and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency contains a series of materials and instructions to help both rural and small systems and service providers market and conduct workshops based on the Guidebook. Watch the introduction.
Schools: The Next Step in Solving the Climate Crisis?
The Hechinger Report shared an piece by Laura A. Schifter, a senior fellow with the Aspen Institute and a lecturer at the Harvard, who makes a case to support eco-friendly infrastructure and transportation investments in America’s schools to help accelerate the transition to a clean economy and therefore empower youth to access green jobs and advance a more sustainable economy.
Great American Outdoors Act and U.S. Forest Service
The Great American Outdoors Act gave the USDA Forest Service new opportunities to deliver benefits to the American public through major investments in recreation infrastructure, public lands access, and land and water conservation. It also provides permanent full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and establishes a new National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund.
Tool Finder for Local Government Clean Energy Initiatives
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency resource can help you navigate available tools and resources for measuring emissions, energy, and economic impacts of energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, and waste programs in your government operations and communities.
Event Opportunities
IN CONVERSATION WITH USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development, Justin Maxson
April 28 | Virtual Event
The Rural America Chamber of Commerce and a national member-based, non-profit organization will hold a conversation with USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson on USDA’s priorities and his perspectives regarding critical policy issues affecting rural Americans today.
2021 DOE Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Planning for a Changing Climate
April 28 | Webinar
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy is continuing its monthly tribal energy webinar series in 2021 to share information, tools, resources and potential funding opportunities. This year’s series will focus on how tribal energy projects can improve community resilience, foster economic development and support environmental stewardship.
Federal Utility Partnership Working Group Seminars
May 5-6 | Virtual Meeting
Join DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy as they provide a venue for information exchange and training that fosters effective partnerships between federal agencies and their serving utilities. Participants will learn how to leverage private-sector investment in federal facility infrastructure to improve energy and water efficiency, install renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Tele-town Hall: Understanding EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule and Financing Opportunities
May 12 | Virtual Meeting
Join the National League of Cities and the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative to dig deeper into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s revision to the Lead and Copper Rule published in the Federal Register Jan. 15, 2021. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about rule requirements, share best practices among peers, learn about funding and financing opportunities for lead service line replacement, ask questions of experts and obtain other critical information necessary to set your city on the path toward compliance.
Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) Workshop: Rural Apprenticeship Programs
May 13 | Webinar
Join USDA Rural Development and members of the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) for the next workshop of a monthly series. In this workshop, representatives from USDA Rural Development, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Rural Water Association will participate in a panel discussion to share resources and recommendations on how to develop and manage an apprenticeship program.
BroadbandUSA Webinar Series: NTIA Broadband Grant Programs
Various Dates | Webinar Series
National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) offers dedicated webinars covering their 3 new broadband grant programs: The Broadband Infrastructure Program, The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and The Connecting Minority Communities Program. To learn a brief overview of each new program, view this previously recorded webinar on the NTIA YouTube channel. Transcripts and slides are available on BroadbandUSA website.
The Broadband Infrastructure Program
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 04/06/2021
Publications and Resources
USDA Smart Utilities Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Development offers entities an opportunity to use up to 10 percent of a loan, grant or loan guarantee to build, improve or acquire rural broadband facilities and equipment in areas not served by a minimum acceptable level of broadband service which is 25 megabits downstream and 3 megabits upstream for both mobile and fixed service. This final rule is authorized by Section 6210 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (The 2018 Farm Bill). See additional information in the Federal Register.
Conservation Technical Assistance Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service works with farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to help them boost agricultural productivity and protect our natural resources. Landowners can apply to participate in programs that provide technical guidance and financial assistance that support conservation and that may include the use of technology equipment for connectivity and broadband.
U.S. Forest Service Special Use Permits
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Forest Service (FS) receives thousands of individual and business applications for authorization for use yearly on FS land for such activities as water transmission, agriculture, outfitting and guiding, recreation, telecommunication, research, photography and video productions, and granting road and utility rights-of-ways. FS lands contribute to our Nation’s telecommunications needs by authorizing uses that provide critical services to rural communities.
DOE Announces Goal to Cut Solar Costs by More than Half by 2030
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
DOE announced a new target to cut the cost of solar energy by 60 percent within the next ten years and offers over $120 million in funding opportunities to lower costs, improve performance and speed the deployment of solar energy technologies. Learn more on the current and new funding streams.
The Digital Divide: What Is It, Where Is It, and Federal Assistance Programs
Congressional Research Service
This report on the Digital Divide in the United States was updated on March 9, 2021, and describes the availability of broadband by state and across urban, rural, and tribal areas.
Event Opportunities
Building a Resilient Community Using Distributed Energy Resources
April 7-8 | Virtual Workshop
U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office offers this opportunity for participants to learn how solar energy and distributed energy resources can contribute to resilient communities and to discuss key areas for future research and development.
Main Street Now: Renew Recharge Reimagine Conference
April 12-14 | Virtual Conference
Main Street America offers a three day conference filled with immersive online content and networking opportunities providing attendees the opportunity to reflect on how the events of the past year have changed our work and how we can rebuild stronger, more equitable Main Streets for the future.
ReConnect Regulation Webinar
April 14 | Webinar
USDA Rural Development is hosting this webinar to help stakeholders learn more about the ReConnect Program and a final rule that USDA is seeking comments on to help expand broadband access in Rural America.
BroadbandUSA Webinar Series: NTIA Broadband Grant Programs
Various Dates | Webinar Series
National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) offers dedicated webinars covering their 3 new broadband grant programs: The Broadband Infrastructure Program, The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and The Connecting Minority Communities Program. To learn a brief overview of each new program, view this previously recorded webinar on the NTIA YouTube channel. Transcripts and slides are available on BroadbandUSA website.
Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Grants Program
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Grants Program
Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program
Rural Assembly Everywhere: The Road to Repair
April 20-21 | Virtual Conference
The Rural Assembly offers an opportunity for participants to connect and learn with rural experts, leaders and culture-bearers.
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 03/16/2021
Publications and Resources
FACT SHEET: United States Department of Agriculture Provisions in H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan
This fact sheet provides an overview of the provisions within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reduce hunger across the country, strengthen the food supply chain, invest in rural America, and provide long awaited support to underserved, socially disadvantaged farmers.
USDA Invests $598 Million to Improve and Modernize Rural Electric Infrastructure After Severe Weather and Age Test the Grid
USDA announced a $598 million rural electric loan package to build or improve electric infrastructure in 11 states. Several of the loans will help expand smart grid technologies, which can be a catalyst for broadband and other telecommunications services in unserved and underserved rural areas.
Women’s Business Centers
The U.S. Small Business Administration funds Women’s Business Centers to support the growth of women-owned businesses through training, technical assistance, and access to credit, and international trade opportunities.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Rural America
USDA’s Economic Research Service provides data and an overview of information on how the pandemic is affecting rural America, including the spread of cases and trends in employment/unemployment among the U.S. metro and nonmetro populations.
Tribal Energy Atlas
This tool was developed by researchers from the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the Office of Indian Energy to assist tribal energy project planners, technicians, and investors with analyzing energy options in Indian Country. It is an interactive geo-spatial application allowing tribes to conduct their own analyses of installed energy projects and resource potential on tribal lands.
CDFA Community Facilities Technical Assistance Program
CDFA has worked with the USDA Rural Development to develop an innovative technical assistance approach to support rural communities that have recently experienced a natural disaster. The goal of this program is to help rural communities utilize USDA’s Rural Development Community Facilities Programs, along with identifying other potential development finance tools, to aid in the rebuild and recovery after a natural disaster.
Event Opportunities
OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative Lender Feedback Forum
March 17 | Webinar
USDA Rural Development is inviting lenders to share ideas on how USDA can improve the application process and servicing options under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative.
Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) & Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Webinar
March 17 | Webinar
Intertribal Agriculture Council and USDA are partnering to provide an update for tribal applicants on the extended VAPG application window and to provide a summary of the RBDG program.
NTIA Grant Programs in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021
March 17 | Webinar
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration will provide an overview of new grant programs, including the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Grants, Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Grants and the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program.
Building to Heal: A Framework for Holistic Community Development
March 18 | Webinar
Enterprise’s Cultural Resilience Office will present their recently released resource Building to Heal to help practitioners bring a healing-centered approach to community development.
Solutions for Housing Communications 2021
March 18 | Virtual Conference
National Housing Conference’s annual convening where industry professionals can come together to discuss messaging and marketing strategies to help advance affordable housing policy.
CDFA Rural Development Finance Webinar Series
March 23, June 1, August 31 | Webinar Series
The Council of Development Finance Agencies offers a series on financing options to preserve rural communities, investments in health care, broadband, manufacturing, food systems and education.
AFRI’s Agricultural Workforce Training Priority Area Informational Webinar
April 5 | Webinar
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture seeks to develop a technology and data savvy workforce offering funding for the development of new, expanded, or improved workforce training programs at community, junior and technical colleges to enable a work-ready labor force for 21st century agricultural jobs.
2021 Tableau Government Summit
April 6 | Virtual Summit
Join to learn how agencies are using Tableau’s data analytics platform to meet current and future demands.
Innovation Matters Educational Opportunities, March 1, 2021
Publications and Resources
A Proclamation on Women’s History Month, 2021
President Biden proclaims March 2021 as Women’s History Month.
Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches and Communities: A Guide to Federal Programs
USDA guide for producers, researchers, nonprofits and landowners to find programs that can help them achieve their goals featuring over 60 programs and updates from the from the 2018 Farm Bill.
Rural Prosperity through the Arts & Creative Sector
This action guide is part of a collaborative project between the National Governors Association, the National Endowment for the Arts and National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and offers research, insights and lessons learned from states that are harnessing the power of the arts to drive rural prosperity.
Cultivating Creativity: Exploring Arts in Community Food Systems Transformation
This document, prepared by DAISA Enterprises and commissioned by ArtPlace America, illuminates key priorities within the agriculture and food sector and provides a frame work for understanding the ways that arts and culture contribute to local, place-based agriculture and food related outcomes and supports economic development.
Thinking Beyond Flood Maps
FEMA launched a new interactive story map to help coastal communities understand their unique risks and to use the data from coastal studies to become more resilient.
Defining the Food System as an Asset Class Project
The Council of Development Finance Agencies, supported by a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, produced six in-depth white papers defining traditional development finance tools to demonstrate the viability of the food system as an asset class.
Event Opportunities
2021 Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium
March 3 | Virtual Event
United States Patent and Trademark Office event offers attendees a chance to learn about innovation and business from public and private sector experts to navigate today’s changing marketplace, and learn about efforts to bring women into the innovation ecosystem.
11th Annual International Women’s Day Forum: Business Powering a New Tomorrow
March 5 | Virtual Event
Hosted in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 11th Annual International Women’s Day Forum will highlight how the private sector, working with cross-sector partners, can narrow gender gaps in every aspect of society, redefine leadership, reconstruct workplaces, and drive equality of opportunity for women and girls during pandemic recovery and beyond.
USDA Consultation on Consultations and Racial Equity
March 9 and 11 | Virtual Event
Join USDA as The Office of Tribal Relations will be consulting on the 1) Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships, and the 2) Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government which specifically includes addressing impediments to accessing USDA programs and services.
Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) Workshop: Federal Training Resources to Build a Stronger Rural Workforce
March 11 | Virtual Workshop
Join USDA Rural Development and members of RWIN for the next workshop in our monthly series. In this workshop, representatives from USDA Rural Development, USDA Food and Nutrition Services and the U.S. Department of Labor will explore Federal resources that rural leaders can use to foster workforce training and skill development for individuals in their communities.
Meeting Community Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Successes in the Promise Zones Webinar Series
March 16 and 30 | Webinar
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development co-hosts a webinar series with the USDA Rural Development and the National Coalition of Promise Zones highlighting how Federally recognized Promise Zones pivoted and used strategies to respond to the immediate needs affecting their residents as a result of the pandemic.
NTIA Grant Programs in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021
March 17 | Webinar
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), located within the Department of Commerce, will provide an overview of the new NTIA grant programs, including the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Grants, Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Grants, and the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program.
Solutions for Housing Communications 2021
March 18 | Virtual Conference
National Housing Conference’s annual convening where industry professionals can come together to discuss messaging and marketing strategies to help advance affordable housing policy.
Educational Opportunities, February 17, 2021
Publications and Resources
SCORE Black Entrepreneurs
SCORE, supported by the U.S Small Business Administration, celebrates Black History Month by launching a new online resource site designed to promote small business development with a comprehensive collection of resources.
A National Agricultural Library Digital Exhibit for George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver was an agricultural scientist whose importance lies in his practical work supporting African-American farmers and his advocacy for specific crops such as peanuts and sweet potatoes. This exhibit showcases the 38 Tuskegee Institute Experiment Station Bulletins held by NAL that he wrote during his tenure as director.
Enterprising Women of Color Initiative
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) developed Enterprising Women of Color (EWOC) to focus on the fast-expanding minority women entrepreneur population as revenue-generators for families, communities, and the nation. The vision of EWOC is to ensure women worldwide reach their economic potential.
MBI Helps HBCUs and TCUs Navigate Distance Learning Regulations
U.S. Department of Commerce NTIA’s Minority Broadband Initiative (MBI), in partnership with the United States Distance Learning Association and the Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education, recently held a teleconference to brief Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges and Universities on new Department of Education distance learning regulations due to be implemented July 1, 2021.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s Rural Economic Development Toolkit
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable has developed this toolkit designed to help your community build and sustain an outdoor recreation economy.
Event Opportunities
National Entrepreneurship Week
Feb. 13 – 23 | Virtual
Join NatlEshipWeek for a series of free workshops. National Entrepreneurship Week, a non-partisan, congressionally-chartered initiative, was founded in 2006 and takes place the third week of February annually.
Building Resilience in Agricultural & Food Systems through Innovative and Strategic Partnerships
Feb. 17 | Virtual
Held in conjunction with USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum, this event is hosted by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) and Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Mission Area to offer attendees a dynamic forum to discuss innovative strategies to build resilience in agriculture and food systems.
Agritourism & Racial Justice in the USA
Feb. 17 | Virtual
The International Workshop on Agritourism presents this opportunity to gather and focus on the role of agritourism within the racial justice movement in the USA featuring panelists from both urban and rural perspectives will discuss the potential for farm-based education and sales of local products to serve as tools in the pursuit of racial equity and social justice in food systems.
Rural Community Development Initiative Webinar
Feb. 18 | Webinar
Join USDA to learn about grants being made available for projects to improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development in rural areas. This webinar is for potential applicants and anyone interested in learning more about the program.
USDA Consultation on Consultations and Racial Equity
March 9 and March 11 | Virtual
In March, the Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) will be consulting on the 1) Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships, and the 2) Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government which specifically includes addressing impediments to accessing USDA programs and services.
Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) Workshop: Federal Training Resources to Build a Stronger Rural Workforce
March 11 | Virtual Workshop
Join USDA Rural Development and members of RWIN for the next workshop in our monthly series. In this workshop, representatives from USDA Rural Development, USDA Food and Nutrition Services and the U.S. Department of Labor will explore Federal resources that rural leaders can use to foster workforce training and skill development for individuals in their communities.
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 02/04/2021
Publications
Overview of Broadband Funding Opportunities in the COVID-19 Relief Act
The National Law Review provides this summary on broadband and telehealth funding from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act which establishes or re-appropriates a number of significant broadband-related support programs.
Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches, and Communities
USDA offers an updated guide for building sustainable farms, ranches, and communities for producers, researchers, nonprofits and landowners to easily find programs to help them achieve their goals.
FCC’s Fourteenth Broadband Deployment Report
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports on broadband deployment in the U.S. with information specific to broadband access in rural and tribal communities and the U.S. territories.
Tech Talent Tracker
The Opportunity Project provides this tool to create data-driven reports to help community leaders understand the state of their local tech economies. This tool will help to empower rural decision makers by offering crucial information including county-level data, maps and charts on key metrics related to a county’s digital economy.
Economic Impact Payments
Most eligible taxpayers have received their first Economic Impact Payment by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. If you didn’t get any payments or got less than the full amounts, you may be eligible to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit when you file your 2020 federal tax return.
Event Opportunities
FY 2021 Strategic Economic and Community Development Funding Opportunity
Feb. 9 | Webinar
Join USDA to learn about the Fiscal Year 2021 funding opportunity known as Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD). This webinar will introduce attendees to the Innovation Center, provide an overview of Farm Bill changes to SECD and highlight the FY 2021 application requirements and process.
Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) Workshop: COVID-19, Resources to Support the Rural Workforce
Feb. 11 | Virtual Workshop
In this workshop, representatives from USDA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Economic Development Administration will explore Federal resources and opportunities that can be used to provide relief to America’s rural workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applying to Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design
Feb. 9 | Webinar
Join the National Endowment for the Arts, the Housing Assistance Council, and To Be Done Studio to ask questions and receive guidance on the Request for Applications for the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design. This webinar will inform potential applicants about the details of our program—both the local Design Workshops and the Design Learning Cohort—and guide you through the application.
Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Webinar
Feb. 16 | Webinar
Join USDA to learn about grants being made available to rural communities with limited staff and resources to build the capacity needed to access USDA funding to support essential community facilities. This webinar is for potential applicants and anyone interested in learning more about the program.
Rural Community Development Initiative Webinar
Feb. 18 | Webinar
Join USDA to learn about grants being made available for projects to improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development in rural areas. This webinar is for potential applicants and anyone interested in learning more about the program.
The Agricultural Outlook Forum
Feb. 18 – 19 | Free Virtual Conference
The 97th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum theme is “Building on Innovation: A Pathway to Resilience”. This is the largest annual meeting and premiere event, independent of commercial interests, organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It aims to facilitate information sharing among stakeholders and generate the transparency that supports well-functioning open markets and will feature a panel of distinguished guest speakers and breakout sessions.
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 01/19/2021
Publications and Resources
FEMA Resource Roadmaps
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Get help navigating some of the challenges and resources available to address the COVID-19 pandemic. This resource roadmap allows the searcher to find potential solutions and applicable resources, including federal funding support and technical assistance.
New $10,000 EIDL Grants (Advance): Do you Qualify?
SCORE
Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers this resource to outline the basics for small businesses on grants (advances) associated with SBAs Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
ASCENT
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA launched an interactive digital platform packed with resources designed for the “missing middle” or growth-oriented female entrepreneur looking to grow their business.
Business Response Survey to the Coronavirus Pandemic Top of Form
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
This information, combined with data collected by other current BLS surveys, made aid in understanding how businesses responded during the pandemic and show changes in employment, wages, job openings and terminations, employer-provided benefits, and safety and health.
Event Opportunities
What’s New with PPP and Other Relief Options for Small Businesses
Jan. 21 | Webinar
SCORE’s Mentor Program offers current information to learn about what’s in the new relief package with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) featuring a Q&A section to discuss what this could mean for your small business.
Healthcare Redefined: Transforming the Future of Health IT
Jan. 26 | Webinar
Nextgov and Cisco present a webinar on innovations in telehealth, electronic health records and 3D printing as the federal government is utilizing emerging technology to improve everything from contact tracing to vaccine approval processes. They will discuss how agencies can ensure that these devices and large swaths of critical data remain secure as government continues to modernize for mission success.
Agritourism around the US: Findings from a National Survey of Farms Open to Visitors for Education, Entertainment, Recreation, Hospitality and Product Sales
Jan. 28 | Virtual Meeting
National Extension Tourism Team plans to share research from a multi-state team of specialists gathered from farms, ranches, and vineyards on their tourism activity ranging from overnight stays, tastings, events, community supported agriculture (CSA), tours, to hunting. Survey questions included products and experiences offered, motivations, challenges, profitability measures, and plans for the future. They received 1834 responses representing all 50 states and they plan to share the survey findings with a focus on regional differences across the US. Registration is required.
Registration is Open for NARC’s Virtual National Conference of Regions!
Feb. 8 – 12 | Virtual Conference
Join the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) for the 2021 National Conference of Regions.
The Agricultural Outlook Forum
Feb. 18 – 19 | Free Virtual Conference
The 97th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum theme is “Building on Innovation: A Pathway to Resilience”. This is the largest annual meeting and premiere event, independent of commercial interests, organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It aims to facilitate information sharing among stakeholders and generate the transparency that supports well-functioning open markets and will feature a panel of distinguished guest speakers and breakout sessions.
Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities 1/6/2021
Publications and Resources
HHS Report: Strengthening the Entry-Level Health Care Workforce
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
This report provides an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities for this segment of the health care workforce and identifies entry-level positions as one option for expanding community-level capacity while also increasing employment opportunities.
FDIC’s 2020 Community Banking Study
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
FDIC released a new large-scale study on the state of the nation’s community banks and find community banks played a critical role in providing access to credit in several key areas of the U.S. economy, particularly through lending to support commercial real estate, small businesses and agriculture.
Energy Data Management Guide
U.S. Department of Energy
The Department provides states, local governments, and K-12 school districts with a step-by-step approach to establish a robust and sustainable energy data management program to reduce energy use, save taxpayer dollars, and improve the efficiency of operations. Get started today and join the public-sector organizations featured in the guide that have achieved sustained energy savings of at least 2% per year.
USDA Programs in the Local Food Supply Chain
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
This publication highlights more than 30 USDA grants, programs, and services in support of local food economies featuring grants, research, education, and technical assistance opportunities.
Event Opportunities
Rural America at a Glance, 2020 Edition
Recorded | Webinar
USDA’s Economic Research Service presents findings from their recent publication Rural America at a Glance: 2020 Edition.
Grow with Google: Helping Jobseekers Kickstart Their Careers in High-Demand Fields
Recorded | Podcast
National Association of Workforce Boards program featuring a discussion with Google who is looking to partner with local workforce boards through their “Grow with Google” program that creates opportunities for nontraditional talent to kickstart careers in high demand fields, including IT.
National Tribal Listening Session on Community Reinvestment Act Modernization
Jan. 14 | Virtual Event
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System offer this virtual event for tribal nationals to learn about Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) modernization and offer feedback to ensure the modernized CRA is responsive to the needs of tribal nations and Indigenous people.
The Agricultural Outlook Forum
Feb. 18 – 19 | Free Virtual Conference
The 97th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum theme is “Building on Innovation: A Pathway to Resilience”. This is the largest annual meeting and premiere event, independent of commercial interests, organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It aims to facilitate information sharing among stakeholders and generate the transparency that supports well-functioning open markets and will feature a panel of distinguished guest speakers and breakout sessions.
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 12/15/2020
Publications and Resources
AskUSDA Contact Center
USDA launched the AskUSDA Contact Center to transform how the public interacts with USDA to provide a streamlined approach to improve customer service. Contact AskUSDA by phone at (833) ONE-USDA. Representatives are available 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. EST on weekdays. The website is available 24/7 and includes live chat agents available 10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. EST on weekdays. Inquiries may also be sent to askusda@usda.gov.
Job Quality Tools Library
The Aspen Institute, with support from Prudential Foundation, developed a library of online tools to support leaders working in a variety of fields related to economic opportunity to engage in practical action to improve jobs offering tools, resources, and guidance to help leaders strengthen job quality across labor markets.
Using Data Systems To Improve Workforce Development Outcomes in A Changing Landscape
U.S. Department of Labor’s WorkforceGPS program features three new publications in support of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act with information on data integration and continuous program outcome improvement: A Changing Workforce Development Landscape; Registered Apprenticeship Program RAP; and Putting Data to Work.
Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success Applicant Toolkit
U.S. Department of Transportation offers a new resource to support the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success initiative. This toolkit helps support communities to better identify and navigate agency grant funding opportunities.
A Research Strategy for Enhancing Sustainable Recreation and Tourism on Public Lands
USDA Forest Service, in collaboration with the Igniting the Science of Outdoor Recreation Working Group, developed a research-based strategy for outdoor recreation and tourism on public lands.
Event Opportunities
Supporting Solar
Dec. 17 | Webinar
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office hosts a stakeholder webinar to give an overview of work supporting solar entrepreneurs and commercialization pathways of new solar technologies, with special guests from the American-Made Solar Prize, the Small Business Innovation Research program, and a competitive funding program.
Tourism Discussions: A Lesson in Flexibility
Dec. 17 | Webinar
This webinar is part of the National Extension Tourism (NET) webinar series and features real-time tourism and community development tips on flexibility and re-planning coming straight from the leadership of the 2020 Coastal Georgia Tourism Conference. It will feature online facilitated discussions around development with outdoor recreation, local grown food/drink, and heritage and culture.
USDA ERS Rural America at a Glance, 2020 Edition
Dec. 18 | Webinar
USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) will present findings from their 2020 publication which summarizes population trends, employment, poverty, income in rural areas and recent demographic and economic conditions in rural areas resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing economic recession.
The Agricultural Outlook Forum
Feb. 18-19 | Free Virtual Conference
The 97th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum theme is “Building on Innovation: A Pathway to Resilience”. This is the largest annual meeting and premiere event, independent of commercial interests, organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It aims to facilitate information sharing among stakeholders and generate the transparency that supports well-functioning open markets and will feature a panel of distinguished guest speakers and breakout sessions.
2021 Cultural Wealth Conference: “The Role of the Arts and Cultural Capital in Rural Innovation and Entrepreneurship”
Feb. 23 – 25 | Virtual Conference
The Rural Policy Research Institute, with the support of USDA, is hosting this conference on the important role that arts and cultural capital play in rural innovation, community well-being, and rural community sustainability, while also exploring the role of arts and culture in rural communities through both qualitative and quantitative studies.
How Community Development Organizations Change When They Embrace Arts and Culture
Recorded Webinar
PolicyLink developed a series of webinars to support ArtPlace America’s Community Development Investments initiative to share experiences and lessons for community development corporations, nonprofit housing developers, health services providers, park associations and economic development agencies.
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 11/17/2020
Publications and Resources
USDA’s Rural Health Subscription List
If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development to receive updates related to rural health, join the Agency’s Rural Health subscription list.
Telemedicine Technologies in Rural Washington Spark Long-Term Advancement in Health Care Delivery
USDA Rural Development Washington State Director Kirk Pearson writes about the impacts of USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program in rural Washington. (In celebration of National Rural Health Day on Thursday, Nov. 19, USDA is highlighting stories throughout the week of how we are working with rural leaders and our partners to increase access to critical health care across rural America. To access stories as they’re posted, visit https://www.usda.gov/media/blog.)
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Celebrates National Rural Health Day
HRSA recognizes the annual event with online activities throughout the week including a virtual rural job fair and many webinars focused on the rural health care, social determinants of health and telehealth.
Rural Action Plan
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides an overview of the current rural health care landscape featuring a strategy to leverage technology, focus on preventing disease and mortality, and rural access to care.
Guidebook and Research Plan to Help Communities Improve Transportation to Health Care Services
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provides guidance to help health care and transportation agencies work together to increase transportation services and improve health outcomes.
Event Opportunities
Mental Health Roundtable Discussion
Nov. 18 | Webinar
USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement offers a virtual platform to have a conversation with subject matter experts, practitioners, and community leaders on the importance of mental health.
How Broadband Enhances Local Economies
Nov. 18 | Webinar
BroadbandUSA, National Telecommunications and Information Administration offers a new webinar featuring success stories on real partnerships, plans and actions used to stabilize and strengthen economies through increased broadband adoption.
National League of Cities Virtual City Summit
Nov. 18 – 20 | Virtual Summit
National League of Cities offers a virtual opportunity for cities to learn, build, grow and renew through panel discussions, keynotes, networking and workshops.
2020 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Rural Health Seminar: Rural Health Challenges in the Era of COVID-19
Nov. 19 | Webinar
NIHpresents this seminar to explore the impact of COVID-19 on and response for rural populations, systems and workforce issues and community engagement.
Rural Housing Symposium: Recovery Through Resiliency
Dec. 2 – 3 | Virtual Symposium
The Housing Assistance Council offers a virtual meeting to discuss the state of rural housing and strategize replicable approaches that drive equitable rural development.
OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative Lender Office Hours
Dec. 9 | Webinar
USDA Rural Development is hosting a webinar for lenders to answer questions about the new processes under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative.
Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities, October 20, 2020
Publications
USDA Co-ops 101 Booklet
USDA offers this easy to follow publication to support cooperative development outlining how the co-op business model is highly flexible and can address a wide variety of needs including rural utility services, credit and financial services, food services, education, farmer-owned, construction, recreation, daycare and health services.
OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative Lender Guide
USDA Rural Development published a new guide to assist lenders applying for Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantee Program; Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program; Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program; and Rural Energy for America Guaranteed Loan Program under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative which streamlines the application process by implementing standardized requirements for credit reviews, loan processing, loan servicing and loss claims.
Building Native CDFIs’ Sustainability and Impact II
To meet the needs of today’s Native CDFIs, the CDFI Fund partnered with ICF Incorporated, LLC and First Nations Oweesta Corporation to deliver a comprehensive technical assistance training platform for the Native CDFI industry with resources from the training series, recordings of the webinars and useful links are available in the Training and Technical Assistance section of the CDFI Fund’s website.
America’s Seed Fund: Women’s Inclusion in SBIR & SBTT Programs
The National Women’s Business Council, a non-partisan federal advisory committee created to serve as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, commissions the first comprehensive study examining the factors that may influence women’s participation in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, also known as America’s Seed Fund.
Podcast: Heroic Co-op Employees Go Above and Beyond
National Rural Economic Developers Association’s podcast episode of Along Those Lines features three riveting stories from co-op employees whose routine workdays turned into lifesaving rescue missions.
Event Opportunities
Main Street Lending Program
Oct. 21 | Webinar
This Federal Reserve Bank webinar is designed to help borrowers learn about the Main Street Lending Program and provide an opportunity for borrowers to get answers to specific questions.
OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative Lender Office Hours
Oct. 28 | Webinar
USDA Rural Development is hosting a webinar for lenders to answer questions about the new processes under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative.
Tribal Microgrids: Exploring Why and How
Oct. 28 | Webinar
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy is hosting a free webinar on tribal microgrids to share case studies and explore benefits to tribal communities to develop microgrids.
Smart Regions Innovation, Recovery, and Resilience Virtual Workshop
Oct. 29-30 | Webinar
Participants are invited to join discussions on best practices in smart regions investments and partnerships, navigating equity issues during a disaster, regional data sharing, unique issues facing rural areas, the education and health response to disasters, and a look at a more resilient future that smart region projects can help us achieve. This event is hosted by the Global City Teams Challenge (GCTC) Smart Regions Collaborative, the National Telecommunications & Information Administration, the National Association of Regional Councils, and US Ignite and sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
2020 Rural Workforce Development Southern Region Summit: Innovation in Times of Change
Nov. 5 – 6 | In-person and Virtual
Created in partnership with the University of Arkansas Rockefeller Institute, the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, and USDA Rural Development’s Innovation Center, this summit creates space for educators, businesses, legislators, health care workers, nonprofit professionals, and public servants to convene and share innovative practices or resources to address changes and needs to strengthen the rural workforce.
Building Community Capacity around Housing
Nov. 5 – 6 | Webinar
USDA’s Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement, in collaboration with the Regional Rural Development Centers offer a multi-day virtual event designed to serve as a ‘Train the Trainer’ opportunity for community development practitioners as a multi-dimensional overview of the challenges encompassing rural housing through a national lens. Meet the Trainers.
2020 Cooperative Network Annual Meeting
Nov. 17 | Virtual
The Cooperative Network welcomes all to join their annual meeting to hear from their Board and learn about proposed resolution changes.
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 10/06/2020
Publications
USDA Launches Webpage to Announce Rural Broadband Projects Seeking Funds Under the Electric Program
USDA has launched a webpage to notify the public when the Department has received applications from rural electric cooperatives and utilities for loans and loan guarantees in which up to 10 percent of the funds will be used to deploy broadband service. This website supports a final rule authorized by Section 6210 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (The 2018 Farm Bill) to allow the use of funds under select programs to help expand access to broadband services in rural America. For additional information, see page 57077 of the Sept. 15 Federal Register.
Electric Co-ops Celebrate 25 Years of Commitment to Community, Core Values
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, a national service organization for more than 900 not-for-profit rural electric cooperatives and public power districts providing retail electric service to more than 42 million consumer-members in 48 states, offers a re-cap of success stories highlighting the 7th Cooperative Principle or Concern for Community. Downloadable posters: Seven Cooperative Principles.
Powering the Future of Rural America
National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, a nonprofit cooperative that provides an array of financial services to electric cooperatives nationwide, published an annual report outlining their dedication to the universal principles of cooperatives.
Expanding Community College Apprenticeships
U.S. Department of Labor funded national initiative, led by the American Association of Community Colleges, published state by state data showing significant advances in its first year of their three year plan to increase the number of apprentices and services throughout the U.S.
Event Opportunities
Co-op Impact Conference – National Cooperative Business Association
October 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Virtual Conference
NCBA CLUSA’s Co-op IMPACT Conference is a national, cross-sector event elevating the national conversation on Co-ops offering a platform to reenergize the cooperative movement and galvanize its champions around building the next economy.
Local Foods, Local Places: Application Assistance
October 9 | Webinar
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and USDA invite communities to join to learn about the program and get technical assistance to help revitalize their economy, promote local foods, improve health, and protect the environment by revitalizing neighborhoods through the development of local food systems. (Application deadline is October 30)
National Association of Development Organizations 2020 Annual Training Conference
October 20 – 22 | Virtual
NADO annual event featuring sessions on economic development, housing, environment, workforce, broadband and more.
2020 NREDA Annual Conference: Keys to Holistic Economic Development
November 4 – 6 | Virtual Conference
National Rural Economic Developers Association, a professional organization dedicated exclusively to the advancement of rural development, will gather economic developers, electric and telephone co-op representatives, federal partners and others to network and learn the latest in the economic development industry.
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities
November 9 – 13, 2020 | Virtual Conference
Hosted by a team of University Extension Offices, this community development initiative brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, economic development professionals, decision makers, and community champions to strengthen and broaden regional entrepreneurial networks.
CDF National Home Care Cooperative Conference
February 22 – 25 | Virtual Conference
Cooperative Development Foundation event for home-care worker cooperative members and developers.
NTIA’s Minority Broadband Initiative-USDA Rural Utilities Service Technical Assistance Webinar Series
This technical assistance webinar series provides Historically Black Colleges and Universities an overview of the grant application process, guidance for narrative preparation, and how to prepare budget/financial statements for USDA’s Distance Learning & Telemedicine, Community Connect, and Reconnect programs. Recorded webinar links are below:
- Session 1 | Introduction to USDA Telecommunication Programs
- Session 2 | Community Connect
- Session 3 | ReConnect Program Overview
- Session 4 | Distance Learning & Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program Overview
- Session 5 | Telecom Mapping Tools
- Session 6 | Success Stories and Lessons Learned
Educational Opportunities, September 18, 2020
Publications
OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative: Annual Notice for FY21 Rates and Terms
Ahead of Fiscal Year 2021, USDA is providing guarantee percentages, annual fees, periodic retention fees, and optional construction fees to help lenders apply for the Agency’s four flagship loan guarantee programs under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative.
Agriculture Innovation Agenda
USDA announced this department-wide initiative to align resources, programs, and research to help position American agriculture to better meet future global demands and stimulate innovation in order increase production by 40 percent while cutting the environmental footprint in half by 2050.
Outdoor Recreation Industry Helps Drive the Economy
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable offers a review of data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis on the Outdoor Recreation Industry noting significant positive impacts in this sector as a major generator of quality American jobs in industries ranging from manufacturing to retail to tourism.
Small Business Pulse Survey
This new survey from the U.S. Census Bureau is designed to collect real-time data on the rehiring of laid-off or furloughed employees, work from home data, the use of online platforms to offer goods or services, changes in capacity of businesses, tax deferrals and credits, and data on the Federal Reserve’s Main Street Lending Program.
HHS Rural Action Plan
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services developed a plan to strengthen coordination within the Department and to best serve rural communities through a four-point strategy designed to transform rural health and human services: (1) building a sustainable health and human services model for rural communities, (2) leveraging technology and innovation, (3) focusing on preventing disease and mortality, and (4) increasing rural access to care.
Event Opportunities
National Tribal Broadband Summit
September 21 – 25 | Virtual Summit
The Department of the Interior, in collaboration with USDA and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, will showcase creative solutions to support tribal broadband development by connecting community leaders with information and resources to help identify opportunities for public and private sector solutions on tribal lands.
National Small Business Week: Virtual Conference
September 22 – 24 | Virtual Conference
The U.S. Small Business Administration takes its annual event virtual this year. The event will feature educational panels providing retooling and innovative practices for entrepreneurs as our nation’s small businesses look to pivot and recover toward a stronger economy.
Talent Finance Series
September 22 | Forum 1: Kickoff Event
September 24 | Forum 2: Building Partnerships
September 29 | Forum 3: Public-Private Innovations
October 1 | Forum 4: Enabling Infrastructure
October 13 | Forum 5: Capstone Event
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its partners (Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Greater Houston Partnership, WorkingNation, Cognizant U.S. Foundation, Google.org, JPMorgan Chase, MSFT Philanthropies, Schmidt Futures, and many more) offer a free series to explore new public-private approaches to support talent management and workforce development.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Fast-Forward Summit
September 29 – 30 | Virtual Summit
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation offers this free summit to educate the public about private-sector innovations that are redefining the future. The summit offers a forum for deep-dive conversations and will explore the future of sports, aging, housing, and food.
The SNAP E&T National Work Forum
October 13-14 | St. Louis, MO or Virtual
USDA’s first-ever SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) National Forum brings together SNAP E&T stakeholders from across the country to share and learn best practices to promote and increase employment among SNAP households through state SNAP E&T programs.
Educational Opportunities, September 1, 2020
Publications
Recreation Economy at USDA: Economic Development Resources for Rural Communities
This USDA resource guide addresses key factors necessary to build a sustainable recreational economy including natural resource management, conservation activities, infrastructure investment, business development and more.
Living at Home in Rural America: Improving Accessibility for Older Adults and People with a Disability
USDA, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Housing and Urban Development released a joint informational bulletin on improving accessibility for adults and people with a disability in rural America.
Food Expenditure Series
USDA Economic Research Service provides comprehensive data on the U.S. food system with research quantifying the value of food acquired by type of product, outlet, and purchaser.
Technology Based Learning in Workforce Development & Education: A Review of the Research Literature
U.S. Department of Labor published a workforce report that explores technology-based learning in the public workforce system with highlights on employability, basic literacy, technological literacy, job search skills and occupational training and certification availability.
Educational Resource Library
The U.S. Census Bureau published a virtual library housing a variety of training resources including presentations, recorded webinars and tutorials.
Event Opportunities
NTIA’s Minority Broadband Initiative-USDA Rural Utilities Service Technical Assistance Webinar Series
This technical assistance webinar series will provide Historically Black Colleges and Universities with an overview of the grant application process, guidance for narrative preparation, and how to prepare budget/financial statements in an application for USDA’s Distance Learning & Telemedicine, Community Connect, and Reconnect programs. Register for each webinar below. Recordings will be provided in a later issue of Innovation Matters.
- September 1 | Introduction to USDA Telecommunication Programs
- September 3 | Community Connect
- September 8 | ReConnect Program Overview
- September 10 | Distance Learning & Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program Overview
- September15 | Telecom Mapping Tools
- September 17 | Success Stories and Lessons Learned
How to Supercharge Your Grant Research
September 15 | Webinar
CharityHowTo offers this free webinar to strengthen grant research skills and discuss the best use of tools to create and support a grant seeking plan and winning strategy.
Advancing the Response to COVID-19: Sharing Promising Programs and Practices for Racial and Ethnic Minority Communities
September 17 | Webinar
HHS Office of Minority Health will host a virtual symposium to highlight state, Tribal, territorial, and community-based efforts to address COVID-19 among racial and ethnic minority populations.
National Tribal Broadband Summit
September 21 – 25, 2020 | Virtual Summit
The Department of the Interior, in collaboration with USDA and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, will showcase creative solutions to support tribal broadband development by connecting community leaders with information and resources to help identify opportunities for public and private sector solutions on tribal lands.
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities
November 9-13, 2020 | Virtual Conference
Hosted by a team of University Extension Offices, this community development initiative brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, economic development professionals, decision makers, and community champions to strengthen and broaden regional entrepreneurial networks.
Expanding CDFI Coverage in Underserved Areas
Pre-recorded | Webinars
The U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institute Fund (CDFI) offers a practical guide to market analysis including reasons and timing for doing one and the steps to take in conducting a successful analysis include defining research goals, scoping the target market, understanding the research design and methodology, setting concrete timelines and budget, and implementation goals.
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 8/18/2020
Publications
Data Gems
The U.S. Census Bureau offers a series of short videos for data users who are looking for an easy and quick way to enhance their knowledge of Census data and concepts.
Regulations for Opportunity Zones and Brownfields Redevelopment
The Internal Revenue Service provides an overview of information to help local governments meet goals for sustainable and equitable development.
How to Prepare for Natural Disasters: A Pre-Disaster Toolkit for Small to Medium-Sized Communities
U.S. EPA Urban Waters Federal Partnership toolkit designed to help small- to medium-size communities jump-start their natural disaster planning process.
Conservation at Work
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service video series consists of short videos that highlight common conservation practices. Videos spotlight farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners across the United States who tell their conservation stories, and how practices are helping them protect and improve resources and save time and money.
The Food Assistance Landscape: Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Report
USDA’s Economic Research Service publication offers research data on USDA’s 15 domestic food and nutrition programs.
Event Opportunities
OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative Listening Session
Virtual | Wednesday, Aug 19, 2020 at 1:30 PM EDT
USDA is seeking public comment on a series of regulatory reforms known collectively as the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative. Under the initiative, USDA will eliminate duplicative processes and launch a single platform for four key loan programs.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Education and Workforce Development
August 19 | Webinar
USDA’s NIFA offers and information session regarding the AFRI EWD Program which addresses the need for training or retraining of agricultural workforce and focuses on developing the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences. AFRI EWD RFA.
Providing Perspective during COVID-19 Using Census Data
August 19 | Webinar
The U.S. Census Bureau and the Local Employment Dynamics Partnership in collaboration with the Council for Community and Economic Research and the Labor Market Information Institute unveil data relative to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spawning Sustainable Tourism Initiatives via Regional Collaboration
August 20 | Webinar
National Extension Tourism Design Team features Michigan State University Extension’s case study of best practices for successful collaboration, lessons learned and benefits to work regionally and produce deliverables.
Agri/Ecotourism: Put Your Surroundings to Work
August 20 | Virtual Conference
International Economic Development Council learning session to highlight how supporting agritourism and ecotourism resources will create business retention & expansion and more.
National Tribal Broadband Summit
September 21 – 25, 2020 | Virtual Summit
The Department of the Interior, in collaboration with USDA and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, will showcase creative solutions to support tribal broadband development by connecting community leaders with information and resources to help identify opportunities for public and private sector solutions on tribal lands.
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities August 4, 20202
- Publications
Community Prosperity Resource Matrix
The Centers of Community Prosperity offers a resource to provide easy access to information about USDA programs, tools, and data sources that foster hope and opportunity, asset building and wealth creation in rural and underserved communities.
Pathway to Recovery
The U.S. Department of Labor, through WorkforceGPS, offers workforce tools and tips for communities, business, individuals and stakeholders to support job creation, job stabilization, infrastructure and workforce support. Quick Start Action Planner.
The Wind Energy Workforce in the United States: Training, Hiring, and Future Needs
National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s technical report outlining evidence that there are dynamics beyond supply and demand at play, there is a Workforce Gap. Collegiate Wind Competition.
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) – Tools and Resources
U.S. Department of Treasury online resource offering tools and links and a list of current certified CDFIs, many of which make loans to small businesses and provide technical assistance.
Event Opportunities
USDA Resources in Agriculture: Supportive Options for Native Farmers & Ranchers in the Time of COVID-19
August 5 | Webinar
Oweesta Corporation is hosting a panel discussion highlighting USDA resources that can be used to support Native farmers and ranchers during this pandemic.
Connect Americans Now: Bridging the Digital Divide for Rural & Underserved Communities
August 5 | Webinar
National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health offers this session for State Offices of Rural Health and their stakeholders interested in forming health partnerships with the community development sector to support positive impacts with rural health initiatives.
Building Community Capacity Around Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
Session 1 | August 5 at 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. CT / 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET
Session 2 | August 6 at 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. CT / 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET
USDA’s Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement, in collaboration with the Regional Rural Development Centers and the Rural Development Innovation Center, offers a multi-day virtual workshop on Building Community Capacity around Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers.
Exploring Census Data Webinar Series: New Businesses Statistics
August 11 | Webinar
Census Bureau’s subject matter experts will provide practical ways to use our business data from economic programs to dive into business expansions and contractions.
National Tribal Broadband Summit
September 21 – 25, 2020 | Virtual
The Department of the Interior, in collaboration with USDA and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, will offer a unique opportunity to showcase creative solutions to some of the biggest barriers to tribal broadband development to move to close the digital divide in Indian Country by connecting community leaders with information and resources to identify opportunities for public and private sector solutions on tribal lands.
Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 07/22/2020
Publications
USDA Podcast: Food Safety During the Coronavirus
USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue talks about the safety of America’s food amidst the coronavirus pandemic with the Food and Drug Administration Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas and USDA’s Under Secretary for Food Safety Mindy Brashears on this podcast episode of The Sonnyside of the Farm. USDA offers additional food resources on their Nutrition.gov site including a Recipe Collection, Farmers Markets site and the Food Storage and Preservation guide for tips to find, taste and keep food fresh.
Atlas of Rural and Small-Town America
USDA’s Economic Research Service resource has been updated to feature broad categories of socioeconomic factors to view the diversity of challenges and opportunities across America’s counties.
State of the Cities Report 2020
National League of Cities report offers an analysis on how cities plan to continue to provide residents and businesses the tools and targeted investments needed to sustain and strengthen their economies to best serve residents.
Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool fact sheet
U.S. Department of Energy provides this interactive platform to help stakeholders make data-driven decisions on their energy goals. This platform offers household energy characteristics and downloadable visuals based on income, energy expenditures, fuel type, and housing type.
Community Innovation Stories
FEMA captures how many communities are responding to COVID-19 in innovative ways that highlight the best of American ingenuity and highlighting excellent links to share resources.
Event Opportunities
Still Open for Business: Working with Minority-Owned Rural Firms
July 22 | Webinar
The Aspen Institute offers this session as a part of their Rural Opportunity and Development (ROAD) series targeting minority entrepreneurs to share their recent experiences, in partnered conversation with the regional intermediaries who have been helping them with technical assistance, funding and advocacy.
Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Virtual Listening Sessions
Register – July 28 at 2 p.m. EDT
Register – July 30 at 2 p.m. EDT
USDA is seeking feedback to launch a new program to help create high-wage jobs in rural communities and strengthen regional economies. Under the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program, USDA intends to make grants available to help eligible entities build, finance and improve Innovation Centers to support the rural workforce.
USDA Assistance for Small Scale Meat Processing
July 28 | Webinar
Join USDA for an overview of programs and funding options to support small scale meat processing. Rural Development offers loans, grants, and loan guarantees and Food Safety and Inspection Service provides inspection services that broaden the marketplace for processors who are looking for more retail and commercial outlets.
“Responding to COVID-19, A Webinar Series for Local Governments Serving Small Communities – Summer 2020”
July 28 | Webinar
HUD’s Distressed Cities Technical Assistance Program offers a unique opportunity for rural communities featuring webinars to provide digestible information to small and local governments regarding access to public funding, data, and other resources.
How to Create Partnerships to Advance Tribal Energy Projects
July 29 | Webinar
The Office of Indian Energy is hosting a free webinar on how to create partnerships to help tribes meet their energy goals.
Council of Development Finance Agency (CFDA) Food Systems Finance Webinar Series
July 30 | Neighborhood Revitalization Through Food Systems Finance
Sept 29 | Financing Food Systems Entrepreneurs
CDFA is providing a free online series to advance opportunities and leverage capital financing that scale local and regional food systems, increase access to better food, and create new living wage jobs in communities across the country.
Connect Americans Now: Bridging the Digital Divide for Rural & Underserved Communities August 5 | Webinar
National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health offer this session for State Offices of Rural Health and their stakeholders interested in forming health partnerships with the community development sector to impact rural health initiatives.
Building Community Capacity Around Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
Session 1 | August 5 at 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. CT / 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET
Session 2 | August 6 at 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. CT / 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET
USDA’s Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement, in collaboration with the Regional Rural Development Centers and the Rural Development Innovation Center, is inviting you to join a multi-day virtual workshop on Building Community Capacity around Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers. This event is designed for community organizers and planners that work on this important topic on a state or community level, such as: Community Planners/Organizers, Cooperative Extension Service Professionals, Elected/Appointed County and City Officials, National/State Forestry Associations, 2501 Recipients Working with Landowners and Land Trust and Conservatory Organizations.
Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities, July 7, 2020
PublicationsCOVID-19 Demographic and Economic Resources Using Census Data Observations on Past and Ongoing Efforts to Expand Access and Improve Mapping Data Event OpportunitiesBusiness & Industry CARES Act Program Webinars Workforce Central Annual Building Resilience Through Private-Public Partnerships Conference CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series Newsletters, websites and emails from which we gather this information include:
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Innovation Matters Education Opportunities 6/23/2020
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