USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG): eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Award Range
- Not published by the agency
- Deadline
- Closed 2026-06-30
- Time Remaining
- This cycle closed on 2026-06-30. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
- CFDA Number
- 10.351
The USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) is a federal funding opportunity administered by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.
Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Details from the notice: Rural public entities including, but not limited to: Towns, Communities, State agencies, Authorities, Nonprofit corporations, Institutions of higher education, Federally-recognized tribes, Rural cooperatives (if organized as a private nonprofit corporation). This program is only open to a Public Body/Government Entity, Federally Recognized Indian Tribe or a Nonprofit entity serving rural areas. For profit entities, individuals and individual businesses are not eligible to receive grants under this program.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official program page before beginning your application.
Running a for-profit business? This program's notice excludes for-profits: “For profit entities, individuals and individual businesses are not eligible to receive grants under this program.” Save the application hours: see the grants and funding programs businesses can apply for →
Small Business programs that do list businesses as eligible: Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program.
Not a business? Compare other Small Business programs by who can apply.
How to apply: step by step
- Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
- Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
- Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the program page. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
- Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
- Submit through the system the NOFO names. Some agencies use Grants.gov and others use their own portal. Submit once the next cycle opens; late applications are usually rejected.
- Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.
For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.
Grant details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) |
| Funding Agency | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
| CFDA Number | 10.351 |
| Award Minimum | Not published |
| Award Maximum | Not published |
| Deadline | Closed 2026-06-30 |
| Category | Small Business |
| Matching Required | No matching required, but matching funds strengthen the application |
| Application Link | Official program page |
Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.
If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.
Check your fit for Small Business grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)?
Details from the notice: Rural public entities including, but not limited to: Towns, Communities, State agencies, Authorities, Nonprofit corporations, Institutions of higher education, Federally-recognized tribes, Rural cooperatives (if organized as a private nonprofit corporation). This program is only open to a Public Body/Government Entity, Federally Recognized Indian Tribe or a Nonprofit entity serving rural areas. For profit entities, individuals and individual businesses are not eligible to receive grants under this program. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.
Can a for-profit business apply for the USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)?
No. The notice states: For profit entities, individuals and individual businesses are not eligible to receive grants under this program.
What is the deadline for USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)?
The current deadline is closed on 2026-06-30; the next cycle has not been posted. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the program page for the next funding opportunity.
Does USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) require matching funds?
No matching required, but matching funds strengthen the application. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.