Innovation Matters, Educational Opportunities, April 15, 2025

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Resources  USDA Eligibility Tool — USDA Rural Development offers a tool to help potential applicants determine their income and property eligibility for USDA Rural Development program assistance.

NIFA Grants Application Guide — March 2025 —The NIFA Grants Application Guide provides guidance for the preparation and submission of National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grant applications via the Grants.gov system. This guide provides general information and references pertaining to the grant application process, as well as NIFA-specific instructions and requirements.

Find Your Local Service Center — USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Click on your state and county to find your local service center and agency offices.


USDA Rural Development Success Story
RBDG helps keep VA business open.
Kris Krupa and Mandi Fullwood at the host station for their Heritage on Main Street restaurant.
The Brother- (and Sister-) hood of the Traveling Loan: Rural Business Development Grants, A Six-Part Series Small towns are known for being close-knit communities where neighbors help neighbors, but we don’t often hear about federal programs that offer seed money to grow multiple businesses and boost local economic development in the process. Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) do just that with far-reaching impacts that can be felt years down the road.  Read the first story in the series, The Brother- (and Sister-) hood of the Traveling Loan: The Opening Chapter. Visit Virginia’s Success Stories page to view all the stories in this series. 
Events / Learning  
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Webinar Free webinar for beginning farmers and ranchers.
4/24/25 | Virtual: Back to Basics and Working with USDA – Happening Soon!
If you’ve operated a farm or ranch for less than 10 years, join the National Beginning Farmer Rancher Team for an overview of special USDA assistance and resources that are available to you. This session will provide information on various programs, how to connect with staff, and what you will need to get started.
Register here.
Boots to Business
4/28/25| Virtual: Boots to Business for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers The Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England and USDA invite veterans, service members, and military spouses to a full day workshop to explore agriculture-based business ownership. Presenters will lead participants through key steps required to develop a business plan. Register here.