USDA Funding and Technical Assistance Programs for 美国农业部资助和技术援助计划.pptVIP

USDA Funding and Technical Assistance Programs for Small Wood Products Businesses By Larry Swan, U.S. Forest Service and John Jebian, USDA Rural Development Background Forest Products Utilization and Mktg Specialist, “stump” to “markets” Focus on forest mgt. and mfg. residues, and use of lower value wood products Primarily OR and CA (lately); OR, Business Development Dept. CA, USFS; International and Fire Assignments Presentation Outline Purpose: Brief overview of agency grant loan programs designed for small businesses. How to figure out what you might want to do? How to find an appropriate program and who to talk to? Examples of USFS grant programs. Available for individual consults afterwards. Key Points About Government Grant Programs Public purpose. Often administered by local offices and organizations. Loans are preferred. Seldom for operating capital. Nothing is “free”. Examples of Who to Contact? Local economic development districts and departments Resource Conservation Development Districts Non-profits State econ. development dept. and agencies Federal agencies Key Questions For Company What specifically do I want to do to improve economic viability of company? What is purpose and evaluation criteria of grant or loan program? How to Find Out About Relevant Programs? Trade association members Media announcements Speak to appropriate offices, organizations and agencies Attend local economic development conferences USDA Forest Service Grant Programs Woody Biomass Utilization Grants (WBUG) Congressional earmarks Sometimes partner or try to leverage other existing grant programs. Specific Example – WBUG Program Purpose? Grant size and # of applicants? How many winners and how much? Successful examples? Evaluation criteria? Timing and effort? Congressional Earmarks Pacific NW and NSO Midwest and EAB S. CA and drought/MPB/fires Colorado and MPB Hot Button Grant Topics Job creation and retention Renewable energy Sustainability Contact Information Larry Sw