MBDA Rural Business Center Program
The MBDA Rural Business Center Program funds support for technical assistance, capacity building, and entrepreneurship services for rural businesses at any stage of development.
Funder: DOC NOAA - ERA Production
Due Dates: June 29, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: ~$14.5M total for 5–7 awards; $2.25M–$3M per award over 3 years; 20% non-federal cost share required.
Summary: Supports technical assistance, capacity building, and entrepreneurial development for rural business enterprises at all stages.
Key Information: Only qualifying higher education institutions or consortia led by them are eligible; applications via Grants.gov only.
Description
This program provides cooperative agreements to eligible higher education institutions to operate MBDA Rural Business Centers (RBCs). The centers are expected to deliver technical assistance, capacity building, and entrepreneurial development services to rural business enterprises throughout the United States and territories, supporting businesses from ideation through maturity. Key priorities include promoting broadband access, digital literacy (including AI), e-commerce, advanced manufacturing, access to capital, workforce development, supply chain resilience, and overall rural economic growth.
RBCs will serve as resource navigators, connect rural businesses with public and private sector partners, and help address unique challenges faced by rural communities. Awardees must provide comprehensive support services and demonstrate collaboration with regional stakeholders and community-based organizations.
