USDA Rural Development: Business ventures

Living the Country Life Radio Program

Listen to this extended radio story on rural business ventures. (MP3 download)

Many acreage owners may think the USDA is an agency that only works with farmers, but that's not the case. If you own land in the country, you may qualify for a grant or loan guarantee for a value-added business on your property. Maybe you want to grow grapes and establish a winery, or open a corn maze or pick-your-own strawberry patch. The USDA's Rural Development office may be able to help.

Radio interview source: Tom Dorr, Undersecretary for Rural Development, USDA

For more information, we recommend the following links:

USDA Rural Development: Learn about the different types of business programs available.

Success stories: Looking for business ideas? Browse a list of projects that have been funded by USDA rural development, either by the type of funding, or by state.

Bed & breakfast adds a winery: With the help of a USDA value-added grant, the Engelbrecht family started a winery to go with their bed and breakfast.