USDA Resource Guide for 

Rural Workforce Development

Together, America Prospers
Contents

How Your Rural Community can use 

USDA Programs to Build a Stronger Workforce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Workforce Development Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Infrastructure and Equipment Financing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Industry and Employer Engagement, 

Entrepreneurship and Local Business Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Education, Training and Apprenticeship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Rural Workforce Resource Guide Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Other Federal Agency Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Additional Resources Available at USDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

USDA Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Created by the USDA Rural Development Innovation Center

America’s rural workforce provides a vital foundation for the nation’s economy . Rural America 

supplies the nation’s food and energy resources, and the fiber necessary for goods and 

manufacturing . As USDA continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and help restore 

the economy, we remain committed to supporting rural employers and job seekers to rebuild 

rural America’s workforce better, stronger and more equitably than ever before .

For these reasons, USDA is prioritizing collaborations with its federal partners to help start 

and grow thousands of businesses and give individuals the educational and financial tools 

to succeed in rural America . This guide was created for community leaders and other local 

entities to help them access resources to create jobs, train talent, expand educational 

opportunities and provide technical assistance . The guide outlines programs and services 

available at USDA and other federal departments and agencies that support workforce 

development in rural communities .

The guide highlights four key assistance types necessary to building a stronger rural workforce:

1. Workforce development planning

2. Infrastructure and equipment financing

3. Industry and employer engagement, entrepreneurship and local business development

4. Education, training and apprenticeship

Examples on page 2 illustrate how customers have used USDA programs to support each 

assistance type. A resource matrix on page 10 organizes USDA funding opportunities by 

customer and assistance type.

A list of additional federal resources that complement USDA funding opportunities is 

provided on page 16. Additional USDA resource guides are available on page 17.
2

How Your Rural Community 

can use USDA Programs to 

Build a Stronger Workforce

1. Workforce Development Planning

Ideally, workforce development planning is supported by 

various organizations in your community, such as your 

Chamber of Commerce, local workforce development 

board, and government leaders. Good planning ensures 

communities and businesses are equipped with skills, 

experiences and competencies that meet the present 

and future needs of a given workforce. A network of 

stakeholders – including state and local government, 

education and training institutions, employers, 

entrepreneurs, and social and infrastructure service 

providers – must be at the table in order to build a 

comprehensive plan.

Recommended Practices

• Invite your local workforce development board to 

participate and monitor priorities in your region to leverage 

its funding resources for your community. Contact your 

state government agency to find your local board.

• Use key data – such as employment rates and 

demand for services in your rural area – to 

understand workforce gaps and opportunities, make 

strategic investments, identify and nurture strategic 

partnerships, and track impact.

• Identify and understand the unique characteristics, 

opportunities and workforce development needs of 

various population groups (for example: youth, adults, 

rural communities, or veterans).

• Integrate the needs of employers and workers.

• Align workforce development planning and economic 

development planning activities at an early stage 

in the plan.

• Develop cross-sector strategies and governance.

• Periodically revise your plan.
3

Success Story

Regional Plan Sets Solid Foundation 

for Workforce Development in 

Rural Tennessee

(Rural Community Development 

Initiative Grants)

The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) partnered with 

the National Rural Education Association (NREA) to 

develop a regional approach to workforce development 

planning for four rural counties in Tennessee.

In 2019, Chester, Decatur, Henderson and Perry 

counties each were designated as economically 

distressed, at-risk, or transitional. To help spur long-term 

growth in community and economic development, the 

two organizations devised a plan to leverage community 

funding, resources and subject matter experts to help 

improve workforce readiness.

USDA Rural Development awarded TBR a $250,000 

Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) grant 

to support this project. The RCDI program helps 

community development organizations, low-income 

rural communities and federally-recognized Tribes 

finance housing, community facilities and community 

and economic development projects in rural areas. The 

funds can be used to develop strategic plans, access 

alternative funding sources, support board training, 

organize fundraisers, develop childcare facilities and 

create training tools.

TBR used the grant to increase technical career 

awareness among K-12 students and improve dual 

enrollment opportunities for high school students to earn 

college credit and technical career certifications at the 

Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology. The grant 

financed a regional digital portal to help students, staff 

and parents access resources, toolkits and courses. 

Funding also helped implement more effective uses of 

regional labor market data to better align individuals with 

careers that will have the greatest economic impact.

TBR campuses are actively working with county, 

business and industry leaders to prepare students for 

life beyond high school. Funding also supports college 

curriculum and career plan development for students to 

help meet the region’s workforce needs.

This project is an example of USDA’s commitment to 

support new and creative ways to collaborate with local 

organizations to spur community development, grow 

businesses, and give individuals the financial tools to 

succeed in rural America.

The College System of Tennessee, governed by the 

Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), is Tennessee’s largest 

higher education system, governing 40 post-secondary 

educational institutions with over 200 teaching locations. The 

TBR system includes 13 community colleges, 27 colleges of 

applied technology, and TN eCampus, providing programs 

to students across the state, country, and world.
4

2. Infrastructure and 

Equipment Financing

Infrastructure and social services are driving factors in 

attracting and retaining industries and employees. Highspeed internet, transportation facilities, and water and 

waste facilities all are critical for industry growth. Access 

to health care, education, nutrition and community 

spaces help improve quality of life.

Recommended Practices

• Identify gaps and opportunities to make strategic 

infrastructure investments supporting workforce 

development goals.

• Design social service programs that meet 

demographic needs (for example: veterans, single 

parents, age or disability status).

• Invest in infrastructure that enables access to 

technology and expands training and employment 

opportunities for communities with physical 

transportation barriers.

Broadband connectivity is a vital infrastructure obstacle 

for rural economic development right now.
5

Success Story

Rural Telephone Cooperative 

Takes Networking to New Level

(Telecommunication Direct 

Loan Program)

Built on speculation and hope, a 42,000-square-foot 

facility in rural Metter, Georgia stood empty for nearly 

30 years, awaiting the perfect occupant. In fact, it was 

the oldest “spec” building in the state until 2014, when 

Australian entrepreneur Sebastian Falzon spotted it 

as a diamond-in-the-rough. Within a year, Falzon – the 

president of Australia-based Concrete Pump Engineering 

(CPE) – moved its North American headquarters to Metter.

Globally partnered with Korea-based Everdigm – an 

international leader in concrete pumps, hydraulic 

attachments, and tower cranes – CPE America is the 

North American distributor of Everdigm concrete pumps 

used in commercial, housing, and industrial construction. 

Why would a multinational, multimillion dollar company 

choose to land in such a small American town? As the old 

real estate mantra goes, “Location, location, location!”

Flanking Interstate 16, Metter offers easy access to 

the Port of Savannah. It’s known as a family-friendly 

town with a robust education system. But perhaps 

most importantly – thanks to Metter-based Pineland 

Telephone Cooperative’s longstanding initiatives in the 

region – access to reliable broadband infrastructure 

moved the Candler County town of 4,000 to the top of 

CPE America’s list.

Following six years of consistent growth, CPE America 

continues to thrive. While CPE’s Southeast Georgia 

location certainly contributes to its success, the company 

could not have endured – particularly during the 

COVID-19 pandemic – without strong global connectivity. 

In Metter, neither CPE America – nor any other company 

– has to worry about having reliable broadband internet 

service to continue efficient, effective operations. With 

100 percent broadband coverage in the entire Candler 

County area, businesses, employees, and their families 

had one less obstacle to overcome during the pandemic.

“Thanks to Pineland Telephone and their forward-thinking 

initiatives, Metter companies, schools, and families do not 

have to worry about staying connected to live their lives 

to their fullest potential,” said Hannah Mullins, executive 

director of the Candler County Industrial Authority. 

“Broadband connectivity is a vital infrastructure obstacle 

for rural economic development right now, but it is the 

strongest advantage we have in Metter.

For that, I am thankful, and happy to partner with 

Pineland Telephone Cooperative to be able to 

help companies flourish financially in this amazing 

small town.”

Pineland Co-op General Manager Dustin Durden 

cautions that the mere presence of broadband doesn’t 

necessarily mean businesses will come. But, while 

foundational infrastructure such as electricity, water, and 

wastewater treatment may be considered prerequisites 

for telecommunications, Durden says in modern times, 

“Not having broadband is an eliminating factor.”

In a small town where public-private cooperation is key 

to sustaining a strong local economy, Pineland Co-op is 

doing its part to ensure its communities have access to 

leading-edge broadband connectivity. A USDA partner 

since the 1950s, Pineland has steadily developed its 

network capacity, offering increasingly diverse services 

and now, fiber technology. In the last 10 years, Pineland 

has received two awards totaling more than $28 million 

from USDA’s Rural Utilities Service. With these funds, 

Pineland constructed more than 1,800 miles of fiber and 

provided expanded video and gigabit-enabled packages 

to co-op members.

Both Mullins and Durden emphasize the importance of 

fostering collaborative energy across businesses, public 

institutions, and the workforce. In another testament to 

the power of partnerships, Pineland worked closely with 

the Candler County Industrial Authority to ease CPE 

America’s move to Metter, ensuring the fiber connection 

to the former spec building was robust and ready.

Pineland’s collaborations also extend beyond the 

Industrial Authority and the Metter-Candler Chamber 

of Commerce to encompass rural communities and 

organizations who want to provide broadband to their 

customers outside the Pineland service area.

USDA is pleased to continue its 70-year partnership 

with Pineland Telephone Co-op and hundreds of 

other organizations dedicated to bringing fast, reliable 

broadband access – as important today as electrification 

was in the 1930s – to rural America.
6

3. Industry and Employer 

Engagement, Entrepreneurship 

and Local Business Development

Active employer engagement is critical to developing 

effective education and training programs that meet 

current and anticipated workforce demands. Prior to 

design and delivery, industry partners should be given the 

opportunity to not only to share their workforce needs, but 

also to contribute continually to the design and delivery of 

training curricula and apprenticeship programs.

Recommended Practices

• Invest in resources to spark innovation, 

entrepreneurship and business development in 

targeted sectors.

• Engage employers from target sectors and identify 

their specific workforce needs.

• Build partnerships with community organizations – 

such as chambers of commerce or trade organizations 

– for an effective and coordinated collaboration with 

industry partners.

• Consult industry partners to help design education 

programs and curricula.

• Engage employers to help develop work-based 

learning and apprenticeship programs.

• Partner with U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps to 

help industry partners recruit and train youth.

Self-sufficiency, wise resource management, and a spirit of 

entrepreneurship have always been traditional Lakota values.

Four Bands helps our people and communities grow these 

values and adapt them to today’s modern economy.
7

Success Story

Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation 

Investments Target Cycle of Poverty

Business Incubator, Community 

Fund Cultivates Tribal Economic 

Opportunity, Prosperity

Rural Business Development Grant

A little more than two decades ago, the nonprofit 

Four Bands Community Fund launched an innovative 

community and economic development movement on 

the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation.

Four Bands leverages partnerships with USDA 

Rural Development, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 

the Indian Health Service, The Federal Deposit 

Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the U.S. Department 

of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial 

Institutions (CDFI) Fund, and local businesses, lenders, 

and partners to maximize community impact. Four 

Bands creatively meets the community’s capital and 

technical assistance needs and develops business and 

housing opportunities on the Cheyenne River Sioux 

Reservation and for its enrolled Tribal members living in 

South Dakota.

Since 2001, USDA Rural Development’s commitment 

to the Fund has led to 26 distinct awards from the Rural 

Business Development Grant (RBDG) program and 

its predecessors – the Rural Business Enterprise, and 

Rural Business Opportunity Grant programs.

In addition to the revolving loan fund, Four Bands 

uses Rural Development-funded resources to provide 

technical assistance and training through its Eagle Butte 

business incubator, advising entrepreneurs on how to 

finance and manage their rural businesses.

Four Bands helps establish and support small and 

emerging businesses in a reservation area which 

historically has struggled with high poverty and 

unemployment. This locally-grown solution offers hope 

– and creates opportunity – for rural Native American 

families and the communities in which they live. The 

long-term positive impacts of this investment in the 

spirit of entrepreneurship are inspiring, and USDA Rural 

Development is honored to be a part of such a vital, 

ongoing collaboration.

Program Dollar Amount Date Closed or Obligated

Active Grant Program

RBDG $99,999 2020

RBDG $99,999 2018

RBDG $99,998 2017

RBDG $87,700 2016

RBDG $99,995 2015

Absorbed into RBDG

RBEG $99,000 2013

RBEG $99,000 2012

RBEG $99,000 2011

RBEG $55,000 2010

RBEG $75,000 2008

RBEG $74,000 2007

RBEG $65,000 2006

RBEG $55,000 2005

RBEG $60,000 2004

RBEG $50,000 2002

RBEG $50,000 2011

Absorbed into RBDG

RBOG $50,000 2013

RBOG $50,000 2012 

RBOG $50,000 2011

RBOG $50,000 2009

RBOG $95,000 2007

RBOG $95,000 2006

RBOG $75,000 2005

RBOG $95,000 2004

RBOG $50,000 2002

RBOG $50,000 2001

To learn more about Four Bands, visit 

fourbands.org/programs/.
8

4. Education, Training 

and Apprenticeship

Competency-based education is a personalized 

approach that aims to identify, acquire and track 

progress of foundational, technical, sectoral, industrybased and occupational skill sets and competencies 

essential to growing a globally competitive and agile 

workforce. Educational institutions are increasingly 

turning toward competency-based education because 

it is an effective learning mechanism that measures 

success through knowledge mastery instead of 

time spent learning. This type of education can start 

to be delivered in K-12 or at technical and higher 

education institutions. It can also be incorporated into 

apprenticeship programs.

Recommended Practices

• Invite your local workforce development board to 

participate and monitor workforce development 

priorities in your region and access funding resources.

• Use data strategically to understand workforce gaps and 

opportunities and make strategic investments, identify 

and nurture strategic partnerships and track impact.

• Understand the unique characteristics, opportunities 

and workforce development needs in various 

population groups (e.g. youth, adults, rural 

communities, veterans, etc.)

• Integrate the needs of employers and workers.

• Align workforce development planning and economic 

development planning activities at an early stage in 

the plan.

• Develop cross-sector strategies and governance.

• Revise plan periodically.
9

Success Story

Grant Provides Rural Schools 

with Robots (and College Credits)

Distance Learning Telemedicine Program

Ohio’s educators are keying into innovative solutions 

when it comes to serving their rural students. In places 

like Plymouth, Ohio, whose population is under 2,000, 

students often are unable to access certain classes, 

particularly those that qualify for the state’s free College 

Credit Plus (CCP) education program. This program 

gives eligible students the unique opportunity to 

graduate with a high school diploma in one hand and 

college credits, possibly even an associate degree or 

college certificate, in the other hand. To participate in 

this program, students may attend classes at a college 

campus, at school with credentialed instructors, or 

online. However, for rural students even this degree of 

flexibility can be limiting. Dual enrollment courses are not 

offered in many rural schools. To address this gap, North 

Central State College (North Central) is using distance 

learning to increase the capacity of rural schools 

throughout north central Ohio.

With funding from a 2015 Rural Utilities Service Distance 

Learning and Telemedicine grant, North Central now 

connects rural students, including those attending 

Plymouth High School, to CCP courses–from general 

classes to specialized science, technology, engineering, 

and math (STEM) education. STEM education, 

in particular, is critical to development of a skilled 

workforce, especially in a state where manufacturing is 

its largest sector, based on GDP. North Central installed 

video conferencing equipment in its learning and 

outreach centers to deliver live college-level instruction 

to four rural schools as well as 15 school districts, which 

are part of the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center 

(ESC). In addition to increasing the number of advanced 

courses available to students, North Central and ESC 

are using the grant funded equipment to increase school 

access in traditional and non-traditional ways.

For example, five new telepresence robots now facilitate 

collaborative learning environments and professional 

development services throughout ESC’s network of 

school districts. For students that are homebound, often 

due to a long-term illness, these robots help maintain 

educational continuity by allowing them to attend school 

remotely. From home, these students use a tablet to 

control the robot, which wheels from class to class, 

transmits live instruction, and interacts with teachers 

and peers.

“We are happy to look at opportunities to get these [robots] 

out into the schools so they can be used for learning,” 

ESC Director of Education Amanda Mahon said.

By working together to distribute and utilize resources 

in creative ways, these multilevel partnerships increase 

student exposure to specialized content in high need 

subject areas like STEM and enhance professional 

development opportunities for teachers throughout 

the region.
10

Rural Workforce Resource Guide Matrix

Customers* Workforce 

Development 

Planning

Infrastructure 

and Equipment

Utilities, transportation, 

workforce housing, training 

centers, end-use equipment

Industry and Employer 

Engagement, 

Entrepreneurship, Local 

Business Development

Employer-based 

curriculum design, 

business site consulting

Education, Training, 

Apprenticeship

Higher education, 

skills-based training, 

vocational training, 

on-the-job training

For-profit 

businesses or 

individuals: 

Corporations, 

limited liability 

companies, sole 

proprietorships, 

etc.

Rural Development

• Rural Community 

Development 

Initiative Grants

• Value-Added 

Producer Grants

• Rural Economic 

Development 

Loan and Grant 

Program

U.S. Forest Service

• US Forest Service 

Youth Workforce 

Development 

Programs

Rural Development

• Rural Economic 

Development Loan and 

Grant Program

• Business and Industry 

Loan Guarantees

• Housing Preservation 

& Revitalization 

Demonstration Loans & 

Grants

• Farm Labor Direct Loans 

& Grants

• Multifamily Housing Direct 

Loans and Multifamily 

Housing Loan Guarantees

• Community Connect Grants

• Distance Learning and

Telemedicine Grants

• Rural Broadband Access 

Loan and Loan Guarantee

• Telecommunications 

Infrastructure Loans 

and Guarantees

• Distributed Generation 

Energy Project Financing

Farm Service Agency

• FSA Beginning Farmers 

and Ranchers Loans

FSA Microloans

National Institute of 

Food and Agriculture

• Small Business 

Innovation Research

Rural Development

• Rural Community 

Development Initiative 

Grants

• Value-Added 

Producer Grants

• Rural Economic 

Development Loan 

and Grant Program

• Business 

and Industry 

Loan Guarantees

• Rural Business 

Investment Program

National Institute of 

Food and Agriculture

• Small Business 

Innovation Research

U.S. Forest Service

• US Forest Service 

Youth Workforce

Development Programs

Farm Service Agency

• FSA Youth Loans

National Institute of Food 

and Agriculture

• AFRI Education 

and Workforce 

Development Program

• Veterinary Services Grant 

Program (VSGP)

• Women and Minorities 

in Science, Technology, 

Engineering and 

Mathematics Fields 

Grant Program (WAMS)

*Specific requirements apply. Please refer to the regulatory guidelines to learn more about applying for these opportunities.
11

Rural Workforce Resource Guide Matrix

Customers* Workforce 

Development 

Planning

Infrastructure 

and Equipment

Utilities, transportation, 

workforce housing, training 

centers, end-use equipment

Industry and Employer 

Engagement, 

Entrepreneurship, Local 

Business Development

Employer-based 

curriculum design, 

business site consulting

Education, Training, 

Apprenticeship

Higher education, 

skills-based training, 

vocational training, 

on-the-job training

Public Entities:

State or local 

governments, 

or federallyrecognized 

Tribes, or Tribal 

organizations.

Rural Development

• Rural Business 

Development 

Grants

• Rural Community 

Development 

Initiative Grants

• Rural Economic 

Development 

Loan and Grant 

Program

• Community 

Facilities Technical 

Assistance and 

Training Grant

• Water and 

Environmental

Programs 

Sustainable 

Management Tools

• Intermediary 

Relending 

Program (IRP)

Rural Development

• Rural Business 

Development Grants

• Rural Economic 

Development Loan and 

Grant Program

• Business and Industry 

Loan Guarantees

• Community Facilities Direct 

Loans & Grants

• Community Facilities 

Guaranteed Loan Program

• Community Facilities 

Relending Program

• Economic Impact 

Initiative Grants

• Community Facilities 

Technical Assistance and 

Training Grant

• Farm Labor Direct Loans 

& Grants

• Housing Preservation 

& Revitalization 

Demonstration Loans & 

Grants

• Multifamily Housing Direct 

Loans and Multifamily 

Housing Loan Guarantees

• Rural Housing Site

Loans Program

Rural Development

• Rural Business 

Development Grants

• Rural Community 

Development Initiative 

Grants

• Rural Economic 

Development Loan 

and Grant Program

• Business 

and Industry

Loan Guarantees

• Community Facilities 

Technical Assistance 

and Training Grant

• Intermediary 

Relending Program

• Rural 

Microentrepreneur 

Assistance Program 

(RMAP)

Farm Service Agency

• FSA Native American 

Farm Loans

Office of Partnerships 

and Public 

Engagement

• SociallyDisadvantaged 

Farmers & Ranchers 

& Veteran Farmers & 

Ranchers Program

Rural Development

• Rural Business 

Development Grants

• Community Facilities 

Technical Assistance and 

Training Grant

• Water and Environmental 

Programs Sustainable 

Management Tools

• Water and Environmental 

Programs Solid Waste 

Management Grants

• Intermediary Relending 

Program

• Rural Microentrepreneur 

Assistance Program 

(RMAP)

National Institute of Food 

and Agriculture

• AFRI Education 

and Workforce

Development Program

Food and Nutrition Service

• Supplemental Nutrition 

Assistance Program 

Employment & Training 

(SNAP E&T)
12

Rural Workforce Resource Guide Matrix

Customers* Workforce 

Development 

Planning

Infrastructure 

and Equipment

Utilities, transportation, 

workforce housing, training 

centers, end-use equipment

Industry and Employer 

Engagement, 

Entrepreneurship, Local 

Business Development

Employer-based 

curriculum design, 

business site consulting

Education, Training, 

Apprenticeship

Higher education, 

skills-based training, 

vocational training, 

on-the-job training

(Continued)

Public Entities: 

State or local 

governments, 

or federallyrecognized 

Tribes, or Tribal 

organizations.

Rural Development

• Mutual Self-Help Housing 

Technical Assistance Grants

• Community Connect Grants

• Distance Learning and 

Telemedicine Grants

• Rural Broadband Access 

Loan and Loan Guarantee

• Telecommunications 

Infrastructure Loans 

and Guarantees

• Distributed Generation 

Energy Project Financing

• Water and Environmental 

Programs Water & Waste 

Disposal Loan & Grant 

Program

• Water and Environmental 

Programs SEARCH Grants

• Water and Environmental 

Programs Predevelopment 

Planning Grants

• Intermediary Relending 

Program

• Rural Microentrepreneur 

Assistance Program 

(RMAP)

Farm Service Agency

• FSA Native American Farm 

Loan

Office of 

Partnerships 

and Public 

Engagement

• Socially-Disadvantaged 

Farmers & Ranchers 

& Veteran Farmers & 

Ranchers Program

*Specific requirements apply. Please refer to the regulatory guidelines to learn more about applying for these opportunities.
13

Rural Workforce Resource Guide Matrix

Customers* Workforce 

Development 

Planning

Infrastructure 

and Equipment

Utilities, transportation, 

workforce housing, training 

centers, end-use equipment

Industry and Employer 

Engagement, 

Entrepreneurship, Local 

Business Development

Employer-based 

curriculum design, 

business site consulting 

Education, Training, 

Apprenticeship

Higher education, 

skills-based training, 

vocational training, 

on-the-job training

Nonprofits and 

Other Entities: 

Nonprofits, 

cooperatives, 

private, nonprofit 

schools, 

hospitals, 

libraries, 

faith-based 

organizations, 

etc.

Rural Development

• Rural Business 

Development 

Grants

• Rural Community 

Development 

Initiative Grants

• SociallyDisadvantaged 

Groups Grant

• Rural Economic 

Development 

Loan and Grant 

Program

• Community 

Facilities Technical 

Assistance and 

Training Grant

• Intermediary 

Relending 

Program (IRP)

• Water and 

Environmental 

Programs 

Sustainable 

Management Tools

• Water and 

Environmental 

Programs 

Technical 

Assistance and 

Training Grants

Rural Development

• Rural Business 

Development Grants

• Rural Economic 

Development Loan and 

Grant Program

• Business and Industry 

Loan Guarantees

• Community Facilities Direct 

Loans & Grants

• Community Facilities 

Guaranteed Loan Program

• Community Facilities 

Relending Program

• Economic Impact 

Initiative Grants

• Community Facilities 

Technical Assistance and 

Training Grant

• Farm Labor Direct 

Loans & Grants

• Housing Preservation 

& Revitalization 

Demonstration Loans & 

Grants

• Multifamily Housing Direct 

Loans and Multifamily 

Housing Loan Guarantees

• Rural Housing Site Loans

• Mutual Self-Help Housing 

Technical Assistance Grants

Rural Development

• Rural Business 

Development Grants

• Rural Community 

Development Initiative 

Grants

• SociallyDisadvantaged 

Groups Grant

• Value Added 

Producer Grants

• Rural Economic 

Development Loan 

and Grant Program

• Business 

and Industry 

Loan Guarantees

• Community Facilities 

Technical Assistance 

and Training Grant

• Rural Cooperative 

Development Grant 

Program (RCDG)

• Intermediary 

Relending Program

• Rural 

Microentrepreneur 

Assistance Program 

(RMAP)

National Institute of 

Food and Agriculture

• AFRI Education 

and Workforce 

Development Program

Rural Development

• Rural Business 

Development Grants

• Community Facilities 

Technical Assistance 

and Training Grant

• Rural Cooperative 

Development Grant 

Program (RCDG)

• Water and Environmental 

Programs Sustainable 

Management Tools

• Water and Environmental 

Programs Solid Waste 

Management Grants

• Water and Environmental 

Programs Technical 

Assistance and Training 

Grants

• Intermediary Relending 

Program (IRP)

• Rural Microentrepreneur 

Assistance Program 

(RMAP)

National Institute of Food 

and Agriculture

• AFRI Education and 

Workforce Development 

Program

• Veterinary Services 

Grant Program (VSGP)
14

Rural Workforce Resource Guide Matrix

Customers* Workforce 

Development 

Planning

Infrastructure 

and Equipment

Utilities, transportation, 

workforce housing, training 

centers, end-use equipment

Industry and Employer 

Engagement, 

Entrepreneurship, Local 

Business Development

Employer-based 

curriculum design, 

business site consulting 

Education, Training, 

Apprenticeship

Higher education, 

skills-based training, 

vocational training, 

on-the-job training

(Continued) 

Nonprofits and 

Other Entities: 

Nonprofits, 

cooperatives, 

private, nonprofit 

schools, hospitals, 

libraries, 

faith-based 

organizations, etc.

Office of 

Partnerships and 

Public Engagement

• SociallyDisadvantaged 

Farmers & 

Ranchers & 

Veteran Farmers & 

Ranchers Program 

Rural Development

• Community Connect Grants

• Distance Learning and 

Telemedicine Grants

• Rural Broadband Access 

Loan and Loan Guarantee

• Telecommunications 

Infrastructure Loans 

and Guarantees

• Water and Environmental 

Programs Water & 

Waste Disposal Loan 

& Grant Program

• Water and Environmental 

Programs SEARCH Grants

• Water and Environmental 

Programs Predevelopment 

Planning Grants

• Intermediary Relending 

Program

• FSA Native American 

Farm Loans

• Rural Microentrepreneur 

Assistance Program 

(RMAP)

Office of Partnerships 

and Public 

Engagement

• SociallyDisadvantaged 

Farmers & Ranchers 

& Veteran Farmers & 

Ranchers Program

Food and Nutrition Service

• Supplemental Nutrition 

Assistance Program 

Employment & Training 

(SNAP E&T)

Office of 

Partnerships 

and Public 

Engagement

• Socially-Disadvantaged 

Farmers & Ranchers 

& Veteran Farmers & 

Ranchers Program

*Specific requirements apply. Please refer to the regulatory guidelines to learn more about applying for these opportunities.
15

Rural Workforce Resource Guide Matrix

Customers* Workforce 

Development 

Planning

Infrastructure 

and Equipment

Utilities, transportation, 

workforce housing, training 

centers, end-use equipment

Industry and Employer 

Engagement, 

Entrepreneurship, Local 

Business Development

Employer-based 

curriculum design, 

business site consulting

Education, Training, 

Apprenticeship

Higher education, 

skills-based 

training, vocational 

training, on-the-job training

Universities/

Community 

Colleges/ 

Educational 

Institutions: 

Universities, 

community 

colleges, 

technology 

institutes, 

vocational and 

technical schools, 

etc.

Rural Development

• Rural Business 

Development 

Grants

• Rural Community 

Development 

Initiative Grants

• Water and 

Environmental 

Programs 

Sustainable 

Management Tools

Rural Development

• Rural Business 

Development Grants

• Tribal College Initiative 

Grant

• Rural Microentrepreneur 

Assistance Program 

(RMAP)

Rural Development

• Rural Business 

Development Grants

• Rural Community 

Development Initiative 

Grants

• Rural Cooperative 

Development Grant 

Program (RCDG)

• Rural 

Microentrepreneur 

Assistance Program 

(RMAP)

National 

Institute of 

Food and 

Agriculture

• AgrAbility - Assistive 

Technology Program

for Farmers with 

Disabilities

Office of Partnerships 

and Public 

Engagement

• SociallyDisadvantaged 

Farmers & Ranchers 

& Veteran Farmers & 

Ranchers Program

Rural Development

• Rural Business 

Development Grants

• Rural Cooperative 

Development Grant 

Program (RCDG)

• Water and Environmental 

Programs Sustainable 

Management Tools

• Water and Environmental 

Programs Solid Waste 

Management Grants

• Rural Microentrepreneur 

Assistance Program 

(RMAP)

U.S. Forest Service

• US Forest Service 

Youth Workforce

Development Programs

National Institute of 

Food and Agriculture

• AgrAbility - Assistive 

Technology Program for 

Farmers with Disabilities

• AFRI Education and 

Workforce Development 

Program

• Higher Education 

Multicultural Scholars 

Program (MSP)

• National Needs Graduate 

and Postgraduate 

Fellowship Grants Program 

Funding Opportunity (NNF)

• Women and Minorities 

in Science, Technology, 

Engineering and 

Mathematics Fields Grant 

Program (WAMS)

• Hispanic-Serving 

Institutions Education 

Grants Program (HSI)

• Veterinary Services Grant 

Program (VSGP)

Office of Partnerships and 

Public Engagement

• Socially-Disadvantaged 

Farmers & Ranchers 

& Veteran Farmers & 

Ranchers Program

*Specific requirements apply. Please refer to the regulatory guidelines to learn more about applying for these opportunities.
16

Other Federal and Federally 

Supported Programs

The following federal resources complement USDA’s 

workforce development opportunities featured in the 

matrix. This list is not inclusive of all federal programs.

Department of Labor

Workforce Development Planning

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA),

Indian and Native American Program

• American Job Centers

• DOL Veterans Employment and Training Service

(VETS) programs

• Office of Disability Employment Policy

• Workforce Data Quality Initiative

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act of 2014

(WIOA)

Infrastructure and Equipment

• DOL TAA Training and Other Activities (TaOA) Funds

• Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities

(WORC)

Industry and Employer Engagement, Entrepreneurship, 

Local Business Development

• DOL Veterans Employment and Training Service

(VETS) programs

• State Occupational Licensing Review and Reform

• Office of Disability Employment Policy

• Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities

(WORC)

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act of 2014

(WIOA)

Education, Training, Apprenticeship

• Job Corps

• YouthBuild

• Apprenticeship Resources for Employers

• National Rural Water Association Apprenticeship Program

• Veterans Accelerated Learning for Licensed

Occupations Project

• Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers programs

• Senior Community Service Employment program

• Re-Entry Employment Opportunities Program (REO)

• Senior Community Service Employment Program

• National Farmworker Jobs Program

• DOL Veterans Employment and Training Service

(VETS) programs

• Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities

(WORC)

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act of 2014

(WIOA)

Department of Health and Human Services

Infrastructure and Equipment

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

• Community Services Block Grants

Education, Training, Apprenticeship

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

• Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG)

• Community Services Block Grants

• NIH Summer Research Education Experience

Program

U.S. Department of Housing and 

Urban Development

Education, Training, Apprenticeship

• Jobs Plus Initiative

Infrastructure and Equipment Supporting 

Workforce Development

• Jobs Plus Initiative

• Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Department of Education

Education, Training, Apprenticeship and Industry 

and Employer Engagement, Entrepreneurship, 

Local Business Development

• Perkins Collaborative Resource Network

Department of Interior

Education, Training, Apprenticeship

• Experienced Services Program

Department of Veteran Affairs

Education, Training, Apprenticeship

• VA Transition Assistance Program
17

Department of Commerce – Economic 

Development Administration 

Workforce Development Planning 

• Planning Program and Local Technical

Assistance Program

Infrastructure and Equipment 

• EDA’s Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program

Department of Transportation 

Infrastructure and Equipment 

• Transportation Workforce Development

Appalachian Regional Commission 

Infrastructure and Equipment 

• ARC POWER (Partnership for Opportunity and

Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative

Additional Resources Available 

at USDA 

• USDA Rural Development Resource Guides

(available at this link: https://go.usa.gov/xtrGn)

address a wide variety of topics central to rural

community development.

• Broadband Resources for Rural America (available

at this link: https://go.usa.gov/xtrAD) highlights

USDA programs that support high-speed broadband

deployment. Programs are organized by customer

and project type to help users identify resources

for planning, construction, research, and other

broadband-centric projects.

• Recreation Economy at USDA: Economic

Development Resources for Rural Communities:

This guide addresses key factors necessary to build

a sustainable recreational economy including natural

resource management, conservation activities,

infrastructure investment, business development

and more.

• Collaborating for Prosperity with American Indians

and Alaska Natives: This resource showcases a

complete list of Rural Development programs that help

ensure rural families, businesses and communities on

America’s Tribal lands have the resources they need

to prosper.

• Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN): USDA

established the RWIN to create a forum for public

and private partners to help increase access to

workforce opportunities across rural America. This

network represents governmental entities, colleges

and universities, nonprofit organizations, and private

businesses that are actively working to improve

workforce development in their local communities.

USDA encourages any individual or group that has an

interest in improving the workforce in their community

to join at rd.usda.gov/rwin.

USDA Contact Information 

USDA Rural Development (RD) Programs 

Contact your local RD State Offce to learn more about 

RD loan, grant and technical assistance programs. 

U.S. Forest Service (FS) Programs 

Visit the U.S. Forest Service Programs site to learn more 

about various job training programs. 

Farm Service Agency (FSA) Programs 

Contact your local FSA Service Center to learn more 

about programs for farmers and ranchers. 

National Institute of Food and Agriculture 

(NIFA) Programs 

Use the NIFA grant database to fnd contacts for NIFA 

grant programs. 

USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Programs 

Contact your SNAP State Contact to learn more about 

Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (SNAP) and 

Employment Training Programs. 

USDA’s Offce of Partnerships and 

Public Engagement (OPPE) 

Contact a Liaison at USDA’s OPPE to learn more about 

partnership opportunities with USDA. 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

January 2022

RD-22002