A new pre-application process for two popular rural development programs has been announced by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. DED is offering to pre-screen grant applications for the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act (BECA) and the Agricultural Opportunities and Value- Added Agriculture (VAA) program.

The BECA pre-application is due by noon on Sep. 10; the final application is due by noon on Sep. 30. The VAA pre-application is due by noon on Oct. 1; the final application is due by noon on Oct. 14.

To participate, submit one copy of the completed pre-app by the deadline listed above. You’ll receive helpful feedback, plus 10 bonus scoring points on the final application. To find out more, visit www.ruralnebraska.gov, and click on “grants.”