Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has been informed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development that about $1.2 million in unreserved funds is now available on a competitive basis nationally, through the Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program (RBOG) for FY 2012.  Awards are limited to $50,000 or less and all applications must be received by August 6, 2012 for consideration.  Cost sharing or matching funds are not required.

 The RBOG program is authorized under section 306(a) (11) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act with the primary purpose to improve the economic conditions of rural areas in the 50 States, DC and the U.S. Territories including American Samoa.  Assistance provided under the program includes: rural business incubators; technology-based economic development; feasibility studies and business plans; long-term business strategic planning; and leadership and entrepreneur training. Applications that will support regional economic development are also encouraged.

 Eligibility is opened to public entities, nonprofit corporations, institutions of higher education, Indian Tribes on federal or state reservations and other federally recognized Native American Tribes or tribal groups and rural cooperatives may apply.

 “In these times of difficult fiscal condition, I am pleased that there are federal grants available for economic development in rural areas, including here in American Samoa,” Faleomavaega said. “These grants are available to foster more business opportunities and help fuel economic development in the Territory.”

 For more information please contact Saulelia Wilson-Sualevai in American Samoa at email saulelia.wilson-sualevai@pb.usda.gov or by telephone at (684) 633-1131.