USDA’s Rural Development is seeking applications for grants to help rural businesses create jobs. Rural Cooperative Development Grants (RCDG) are available up to $175,000 for one year, with a total of $5.8 million available. RCDG requires a 25% matching contribution.

The Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG) are also available with a total of $2.27 million. Applications for both opportunities are due August 6, 2012. Check this webpage for more information:

http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-44502a

And here is more info for RBOG:

• Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) from Federal Register
• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
• Powerpoint Overview