The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development division offers more than 40 loan, grant, and technical assistance programs to help improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Many of these programs can also support community-based entrepreneurial planning and growth. The Rural Development division partners closely with community leaders and developers, local, state, and Tribal governments, cooperatives, nonprofits, private organizations, and a nationwide network of participating lenders skilled at building local economies.
USDA Rural Development offers this multimedia guide to help rural entrepreneurs. In collaboration with a network of federal partners, the guide provides resources both for start-ups, and already-established rural businesses.
The Commonwealth Center for Recurring Flooding Resiliency offers a Coastal Virginia Small Business Assessment and Guide with four resources: 1) a Workbook for businesses to use as they approach the Assessment and Guide; 2) a Guide to Digital Marketing and Online Selling; 3) a Guide to Exit Planning and 4) a Succession Planning Worksheet.
The Virginia Small Farm Resource Center helps Virginia’s small and beginning farmers and ranchers access comprehensive resources to make their farm businesses profitable and sustainable.