February 2, 2024
Lewis-Burke Associates has provided campus with a report about USDA's new solicitation for the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) competitive grants program, which was authorized through the 2018 Farm Bill. The RISE program aims to support rural job accelerator partnerships and innovation centers that foster high wage jobs and new businesses in distressed rural and energy communities, and leverage and maximize local assets, including broadband. The program anticipates granting roughly four awards, ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000 over four years. Interested applicants may submit a concept proposal to USDA by February 20, 2024 by 4:30 pm EST. Full applications are due April 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.