What's happening with the Center for Rural Affairs? Find the latest on rural America and our work here.
Starting a small business is a rewarding journey, but it takes time, effort, and often means taking out a loan. For many, a loan is a practical step toward growth. Let’s explore why you might consider applying for a loan, what to have in place before doing so, and how the Center for Rural Affairs can support you every step of the way.
- Lending
Iniciar un pequeño negocio es un proceso gratificante, pero requiere tiempo, esfuerzo y, a menudo, implica solicitar un préstamo. Para muchos, un préstamo es un paso práctico hacia el crecimiento. Analicemos por qué debería considerar solicitar un préstamo, qué debe tener en cuenta antes de hacerlo y cómo el Center for Rural Affairs puede ayudarlo en cada paso del camino.
- Lending
With the November election in the rearview mirror, Congress is looking ahead to 2025, but a number of significant measures remain on the docket before Congress adjourns on Dec. 20. In addition to funding the federal government and potentially passing a disaster aid package, lawmakers must pass either a new farm bill or another farm bill extension.
- Policy
Wind turbine blades play a crucial part in clean energy generation, but their disposal poses a growing challenge. Luckily, innovative solutions provide new ways to keep them out of landfills. As the...
- Policy
Some of Laura Simpson’s fondest memories are of spending summers as a child playing on the swingset, watching her neighbor dig potatoes in his garden, and going barefoot in the shade of tomato...
- Farm and Food
In April, the Center for Rural Affairs announced it has been awarded a $62 million grant under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All program. With this grant, the Center will focus on...
- Lending
- Small Towns
REAP, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has been popular since its creation in 2003. In 2024, the program received additional funding and support through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Grants are now available for up to 50% of eligible project costs, and guaranteed loans are available for 75% of the project cost.
- Policy
The Center for Rural Affairs has an exciting update to share on our efforts to support rural grocers in Nebraska. On Nov. 1, the Agriculture Committee of the Nebraska Legislature held an interim...
- Small Towns
- Farm and Food
- Policy
Angelyn Wang contributed to this blog. Local food, policy, and community gathering were top of mind for the second annual Local Foods Summit on Nov. 8 in Malvern, Iowa. The summit was hosted by the...
- Small Towns
- Farm and Food
Although he retired from organic farming several years ago, Dave Welsch stays busy. During a recent conversation with his wife, Deb, he counted the number of ways he spends his time: He sits on 10...
- Small Towns
I’ve put in some serious windshield time this year. Mornings have been early and evenings have gone late. I’ve honestly loved every minute. And while getting to see different parts of our big, beautiful country is wonderful, the most rewarding part of my travels is meeting people like you.
- Small Towns
In partnership with Polk County and Iowa Cover Crop, the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has planted a cover crop demonstration plot for farmers and landowners to visit at their...
- Farm and Food
- Policy
Once Amy Gerdes had a taste of small-scale, sustainable agriculture, she fell in love with it. Whether educating future farmers or tending her own land, her passion shines through everything she does...
- Farm and Food
Chris Trumler knows a thing or two about conservation. After majoring in Animal Science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, he returned home in 1994 to start farming on 640 acres. Since then, Chris...
- Farm and Food
- Policy
Garretson Public Schools received a boost last year when the district was awarded nearly $1.2 million to add three electric buses to its fleet. The grant was the largest such award in South Dakota and...
- Small Towns
- Policy
Pham’s Coffee & Boba en Grand Island, Nebraska, no es una cafetería típica. Desde hacer un pedido hasta que toman el primer sorbo, los clientes disfrutan de una experiencia envolvente, educativa y deliciosa.
- Lending
Pham’s Coffee & Boba in Grand Island, Nebraska, is not a typical coffee shop. From placing an order to taking the first sip, customers are in for an immersive, educational, and delicious experience.
- Lending
In everything she does, Dr. Karletta Chief strives to build a better future. Raised on the Navajo Nation, Dr. Chief learned strength and endurance from her parents and grandmother. The first person in her family to attend college, Dr. Chief is now the director of the Indigenous Resilience Center at the University of Arizona, in Tucson, and leads efforts that lift up Indigenous scholars and trains the next generation of researchers and leaders.
- Small Towns
El Sábado de Pequeños Negocios, un día dedicado a apoyar a los negocios que mantienen nuestras comunidades vibrantes y únicas. Nos invita a “comprar local” y generar un impacto cerca de casa apoyando a las tiendas, los servicios y los fabricantes de nuestros propios vecindarios.
- Lending
- Small Towns
As November begins, let’s not overlook Small Business Saturday—a day dedicated to supporting the businesses that keep our communities vibrant and unique. It invites us to “shop small” and make an impact close to home by supporting the shops, services, and makers in our own backyards.
- Lending
- Small Towns
