With the assistance of a South Dakota USDA Rural Development Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG), the Jackson County-Kadoka Economic Development Corporation is closer to its vision of assisting residents and businesses in achieving their full potential to increase economic security. The grant will allow the development corporation to establish a revolving loan fund to grow and retain local businesses.

“This project provides opportunity and resources to support services in Jackson County. The partnership with Jackson-Kadoka Economic Development shows what can be accomplished when government and entrepreneurs work together to bring increased economic stimulus and jobs to rural South Dakotans,” stated USDA Rural Development South Dakota State Director Elsie Meeks.  “The Obama Administration is committed to improving the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities.”

South Dakota Kadoka sign.

Jackson County, South Dakota, sits at the mouth of a gap leading into the Badlands National Park in the western part of the state and has a population just over 3,000.  The Economic Development Corporation is made up of a volunteer board and led by a part-time director, Jo Beth Uhlir.

When a round of funding was announced and Jackson County wasn’t on the earlier list; Jo Beth was discouraged and sensing her mood, Jo Beth’s son, said “Mom, you are doing a great job helping Kadoka for when I grow up.”  In the end, securing a future for the youth of the region and sustaining and growing the community is the mission of this small rural area of the state.

The grant announcement and special event attended by State Director Meeks, gave the development corporation the great news to further their mission.

“This funding opportunity is amazing.  It will further help us with our goals of continued support for our existing businesses and provide opportunities for new and emerging small businesses,” said Jo Beth, “Providing our residents with hometown services and economic stability is one of our highest priorities and this grant will help us meet those challenges.”

To learn more about how USDA programs can assist your community and your business, click here.

(left to right) Tim Potts - Rural Development Area Director; Rusty Olney - Corporation Member; Kadoka Mayor Harry Weller; Rich Bendt - Corporation Member; Elsie Meeks - Rural Development State Director; Eileen Stolley – Corporation Member; JoBeth Uhlir - Director of Operations; and Dale Christensen - Corporation Member.