COLORADO

Across the nation USDA Rural Development has assisted small agricultural producers in forming business cooperatives, in order to stabilize and increase incomes.  Cooperatives, both rural and urban, have been part of the American economy for more than 100 years.

The Rural Cooperative Development Program has grants for establishing and operating centers for cooperative development for the primary purpose of improving the economic condition of rural areas through the development of new cooperatives and improving operations of existing cooperatives.

A cooperative is a business or service organization that has two unique characteristics.  First, it is owned and democratically controlled by the people who use its services.  Second, the benefits (services received and earnings allocation) are distributed to the user-owners on the basis of how much /they use the cooperative.  Small business owners may find it beneficial to form a cooperative for one or more reasons such as shared marketing, supply purchases, or research and development.

Select resources to find additional information on Rural Cooperatives
 

Rural Cooperative Development Program

Purpose:  What is the Program's Goal:  Establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development.

Program Types: How does it work?  USDA Rural Development makes grants to centers for rural cooperative development.

Eligible Applicants:  Who can apply?  Institutes of higher education and non-profit corporations. 

Eligible Areas:  Areas outside of the urbanized edge of cities with a population of more than 50,000.

Authorized Purposes:  What can funds be used for?  Grants are used to operate Centers that assist rural cooperatives.

Typical Amount of Assistance: Grant funds may be used to pay up to 75% of costs associated with carrying out relevant projects. 

Rates & Terms (rates subject to change):  Grant.

Key to Success:  Funding limited, funding tends to go only for projects targeted to reach those most in need.

When to Apply:  Once a year.  Annual competition at national level.  

Who to Contact: Program administered by Community and Business Programs contact Dolores Sanchez-Maes, (720) 544-2927, Cooperative Specialist or contact Lakewood State Office

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