USDA Rural Development has awarded $65,794 to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Food Processing Center to help facilitate and finance the development of small and emerging rural, private business enterprises. Leveraged funds totaling $22,807 from UNL will complete the funding package.
“We appreciate the support of USDA Rural Development in providing funding for this project and are excited about the opportunity to assist these companies in expanding their markets,” said Dr. Steven Pharr, market research analyst with the center.
FPC will provide market research and business development services to five existing rural-based food entrepreneurs in Nebraska and South Dakota to support both short-term and long-term planning for market growth and expansion. Twenty-one existing jobs will be affected.
The five businesses identified to receive assistance are in Cody, Burwell and Tekamah, Neb.; and Lower Brule and Scotland, S.D.
“We are pleased to assist the Food Processing Center with supporting local food development. The unique mission of the University of Nebraska FPC to advance the value-added food manufacturing industry will provide these small and emerging rural businesses the opportunity to grow and expand their markets. The outcome will keep the small businesses and their employees in rural areas,” said Business and Cooperative Specialist Deborah Drbal of USDA Rural Development. .
The project was funded through the USDA Rural Development Rural Business Enterprise Grant program.
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/sgr