Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD) Awarded Two USDA Rural Development Grants: USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) to Support Local Farmer and USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) Grant to Support Small Businesses in the Mohawk Valley.

Mohawk Valley, NY – The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD) is pleased to announce it has been awarded two grants through USDA Rural Development – Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) and Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). These grants will enable MVEDD to expand its support for rural microenterprises, farmers, and agribusinesses across the region, offering targeted technical assistance and other guidance to help our small businesses thrive.

“USDA Rural Development is proud to partner with Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. on initiatives that strengthen the backbone of the Mohawk Valley’s rural economy,” said USDA Rural Development New York State Director Richard Mayfield. “These investments help local farmers and small business owners access the tools, training, and opportunities they need to grow. When we support rural entrepreneurs, we’re supporting jobs, families, and the long-term vitality of the entire community.”

The RBDG award will allow MVEDD to purchase equipment to lease to Garlic Delite Farm, a small garlic farm located in Little Falls, Herkimer County. This equipment purchase and lease will allow the farm to expand their operations.

“I appreciate the guidance and support that MVEDD has shown me. This will help me expand my business and stay competitive in New York State” says Frank Yerina, owner of Garlic Delite Farm.

In addition to the USDA RBDG award, MVEDD was awarded funding through the USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). This award will allow MVEDD to build on the success of our hybrid and in-person workshops and one-on-one sessions offered this past year. We will be able to expand our support for rural microenterprises across the Mohawk Valley, offering targeted technical assistance and financial guidance to help our small businesses thrive.

MVEDD will continue to deliver a series of hybrid and in-person workshops and one-on-one consulting services designed to help rural entrepreneurs identify and secure funding opportunities, strengthen their financial planning, and position their businesses for long-term success.

“Our region is rich with entrepreneurial spirit, and this funding allows us to meet small businesses where they are—providing the tools and guidance they need to grow,” said Stephen Smith, Executive Director of MVEDD. “We’re proud to continue building a resilient rural economy in the Mohawk Valley.”

Upcoming Workshops Will Cover:

• Rural Ingenuity: Farmer focused workshop in partnership with University of Albany’s Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, & Industry Partnerships
• Fueling Your Rural Ingenuity: Taking the ideas generated from the Rural Ingenuity workshop and applying for grant funding to implement
• Financial Documentation: Building income statements, balance sheets, and statements of cash flow
• Projections: Forecasting to build clear and realistic projections
• Grant Writing: The ins and outs of telling your business story for grants

The Rural Ingenuity workshop will be an in-person workshop with the rest of the workshops being offered in a hybrid format, welcoming participation from rural businesses throughout the Mohawk Valley. In addition to group sessions, MVEDD will provide individualized support to help businesses identify grant opportunities and help prepare competitive applications.

As a companion to the workshops and one-on-one sessions, MVEDD plans to build a centralized, online database for businesses that includes downloadable templates and detailed how-to guides for topics discussed in workshops. Continued expansion of the database will occur as new topics emerge from the business community and from conversations with businesses about the types of assistance they need.

MVEDD encourages rural entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their operations and access new funding pathways.

For more information or to register for upcoming workshops, please visit: MVEDD RMAP.