According to a USDA press release, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of 35 rural micro-development
organizations, including Enterprise for Equity in Olympia and Tri-County Economic Development District in Colville for loans and grants to support rural business development, create jobs and strengthen local communities.

“A strong rural America and a strong agricultural industry go hand in hand,” said Vilsack. “These investments will bring increased economic opportunity to rural residents and communities. They will help organizations expand job and economic opportunities in rural communities across the nation.”

Enterprise for Equity helps people with limited incomes start and sustain small business. They will receive loan and grant funding to capitalize a rural microloan revolving fund to make loans and provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs. Tri-County Economic Development District will also receive a combination of grant and loan funding to provide technical assistance and capitalize microenterprises.

“We have a long standing partnership with these two organizations,” said Tuana Jones, USDA Rural Development Business & Cooperative Programs Director in Washington State. “This additional assistance will allow them to reach microenterprises in need of support that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Collectively our goal is to provide opportunities for economic vitality in rural communities.”

Congratulations to Enterprise for Equity and Tri-County Economic Development District!