Agriculture Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Support for Small Businesses in Rural Communities
Grant Will Support a New Center at Michigan State University to Provide Business Development for Rural Cooperatives
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for Michigan State University to help provide business development expertise, development assistance and educational services, boosting economic development in our rural communities. The grant is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development initiative and will be used to support a new center that will provide services to individuals and groups in rural areas looking to organize cooperative businesses or expand existing cooperatives.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, especially in our rural communities," said Stabenow. "This grant will help existing small business cooperatives in rural areas and expand opportunities for new cooperatives. I will continue to work closely with MSU and partners throughout Michigan to strengthen opportunities to help our small businesses succeed."
Michigan State University will receive $174,999. Stabenow is Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over rural development projects.
