News Releases for July 2003
July 1, 2003
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Hoeven Announces $154,000 USDA Grant For Rural Development
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today announced that the Center for Technology & Business/Women & Technology will receive a $154,000 grant from USDA - Rural Development to provide business development education to small rural businesses in the CONAC and Southwest Rural Economic Area Partnership Zones (REAP). The North Dakota Department of Commerce will participate as a partner to provide economic development expertise and financial support.
“The increased availability and use of technology is vitally important in helping rural business to grow,” Hoeven said. “This grant will be another tool for rural economic development in our state, combining education and economic development in concert with our Smart Growth initiatives.”
The “Growing Technology Project” includes computer education; market building classes for both wholesalers and retailers; state and federal procurement; financial literacy programs; product development activities-labeling, packaging and shipping; customer service; and home based business. Some of the education will be delivered via distance technology, and Small Business Administration partners, such as the SBDC and SCORE, will participate with hands-on assistance.
“We’re working hard to promote success in our rural communities,” said Tara Holt, Director of the North Dakota Center for Technology and Business. “With this grant we will increase the likelihood that a small rural business can survive and eventually thrive.”
Communities located within the following counties and areas may apply to participate: Towner, Benson, Pierce, Bottineau, Rolette, McHenry, Billings, Dunn, Golden Valley, Stark, Slope, Hettinger, Bowman, Adams, the south segment of the Three Affiliated Tribes Indian Reservation, as well as the Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain Indian Reservations. Rolla, Mott, and Rugby have been selected through initial interviews. Three other communities or areas within the region will be selected from the applicants by September 1, 2003.
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