| Michaud Announces Important Small Business Funding for Aroostook County |
| Sunday, August 03 2008 | |
|
WASHINGTON, DC
- Today, Congressman Mike Michaud announced that the Northern Maine Development
Commission will receive two continuation grants from the United States
Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG)
program totaling $690,200. One grant
will be for $500,000 and will be used to establish a small business revolving loan
fund to support new and existing small businesses in Aroostook County.
The other grant will provide support for
a two-year technical assistance program which will help small business and
small manufacturers acquire reliable information on energy use, available
efficiency tools and measures to reduce energy related costs.
"I am pleased that this funding has been released. These grants will provide important economic support to small businesses in Maine," Michaud said. "The technical, logistical and financial assistance this funding provides will be especially helpful for small businesses that need to find cost-effective solutions to offset the cost of high energy prices." The Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG) program provides funding for rural projects that finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses. It also funds distance learning networks and employment related adult education programs. # # # |