United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is now accepting applications for $500,000 to $2,000,000 through its Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.

The program was unveiled in 2021 to help drive equitable economic development in distressed communities by creating high-wage jobs through local collaboration.

Applicants are encouraged to contact their nearest USDA Rural Development State Office ahead of the application deadline for more information about the program or the application process and potential applicants may submit a concept proposal for review by the agency to Grants.gov no later than 4:30 p.m. local time Feb. 21.

For additional information and the official Notice of Funding Opportunity, see page 3705 of the Jan. 20, 2023, Federal Register.

You can contact the USDA about this opportunity using this email address: [email protected] or Rachel Reister, Program Management Division, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA, (202) 720-1400 or email: .