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Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Nearly $130,000 in USDA Rural Business Development Grants for the Eastern Shore

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced the recent award of nearly $130,000 in federal funds for jurisdictions on Maryland’s Eastern Shore through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RDBG) Program. Grants are as follows: 

  • $30,000 to Kent County for the development of job training programs to equip adult students with marketable fiber optics and cyber security skills. The County will contribute an additional $17,581, bringing the total budget to $47,581. This effort is estimated to create 3 jobs.
  • $35,000 to Main Street Historic Chestertown (Kent County) to retain and revitalize existing businesses and attract new ones, developing the area’s potential as a destination for residents and tourists. Main Street Historic Chestertown will contribute $5,000, bringing the total budget to $40,000. It is expected to create 15 jobs and retain another 70.  
  • $50,000 to the City of Crisfield (Somerset County) to improve marketing for more than 150 small businesses in the Arts & Entertainment District.
  • $12,950 to Pocomoke City (Worcester County) to provide technical assistance to downtown businesses.

“Small businesses on the Eastern Shore and across the state create jobs, drive economic growth, and are an integral part of our community. This federal investment will help train new workers and allow entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. It will also provide federal support to help tackle some of the unique challenges faced by small businesses in rural areas. In the U.S. Senate, I will keep fighting to support Maryland businesses and workers,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committees.

“Small businesses are the engine of our economy. Rural small businesses and entrepreneurs face unique challenges, while having an even greater effect on the communities they serve,” said Senator Cardin, lead Democrat on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. “These federal funds will make a real difference in Kent, Somerset, and Worcester Counties for years to come.”

USDA awards Rural Business Development Grants for rural projects that finance and facilitate the development of small and emerging private businesses, help fund distance learning networks, and help fund employment-related adult education programs. This program is authorized by the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Additional information on the program may be found here.

 

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