USDA and the U.S. Small Business Administration strengthen partnership to create jobs and economic growth in rural America

Reno, Nevada, November. 20, 2023 – USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced today that USDA is strengthening its longstanding partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create jobs and expand access to new and better market opportunities for people in rural America.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to a whole-of-government approach to rebuilding the economy for the American people from the bottom up and from the middle out, especially in the nation’s most disadvantaged rural communities,” Torres Small said. “At USDA, we are doubling down on our commitment to promoting economic security and prosperity for people in rural America, so they can find opportunities for success in the places they call home. Strengthening our collaboration with SBA helps us expand these opportunities for people to build a brighter future for generations to come.” .

“Rural small businesses strengthen local economies – creating jobs and serving communities,” said Isabel Casillas Guzman, Administrator of the Rural Small Business Administration. “SBA’s partnership with USDA will build on the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to invest in underserved rural Americans and provide the resources needed to help them start and grow their businesses to strengthen our economy and global competitiveness.”

Through the Memorandum of Understanding signed today, USDA and the Small Business Administration are committed to increasing investments in small and underserved communities to help grow the rural economy and create good-paying jobs for people nationwide.

The agencies are also committed to expanding opportunities for rural technical assistance providers, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and small business owners. It will also provide resources to help rural businesses compete in local and international markets.

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding, the agencies may work together to:

• Providing joint training courses, technical assistance and mentorship opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs in rural areas.
• Helping agricultural producers and small businesses identify ways to export their products around the world.
• Expanding collaboration between USDA’s Rural Partners Network and the Small Business Administration’s Resource Partners Network.
• Cross-promotion programs that support rural businesses, socially disadvantaged communities, and more.

For more information, see the full Memorandum of Understanding.

The USDA impacts the lives of all Americans every day in many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is working to transform the American food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, and building new markets and channels. of income for farmers and producers who use climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capacity in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a more representative workforce for America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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