Fortenberry Leads Hearing On

Government Cooperation for Rural Development

Washington, DC - Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship of the House Small Business Committee, led a hearing today to determine how government resources in the Small Business Administration (SBA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can be properly coordinated.

“Nebraska is a wonderful place to work and raise a family, and it is important that we examine government’s roles in promoting opportunity and entrepreneurship in our rural communities,” said Fortenberry.

Fortenberry pointed to one effort in Nebraska as an example of government collaboration. “A joint effort between SBA and the USDA’s Rural Development agency provides lender training on various federal and state loan guarantee programs. The partnership has shown early success in Nebraska and could provide a model for future efforts to coordinate these agencies’ resources,” said Fortenberry.

“Cooperation between SBA and USDA Rural Development will also be essential for renewable energy development. Right now, rural America is undergoing a major structural change as renewable energy production presents new economic opportunities. Identifying ways these agencies can collaborate on renewable energy initiatives will be important in helping rural America maximize these new opportunities,” said Fortenberry.

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