Community Economic Development (CED) is a unique Division of USDA Rural Development created to foster the unique needs of communities that live in persistent poverty and in rural areas that have limited resources.
We offer loans, grants, loan guarantees and technical assistance ( professional training ) to support essential services such as housing, economic development, health care, emergency services and equipment, clean water, electric and communications infrastructure.
Community Economic Development:
- Spearheads poverty strategies such as StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity, The Promise Zone initiative, and POWER along with Rural Development programs like Stronger Economies Together, Strategic Economic & Community Development, IMCP and key focus areas like local food, rural business, and bio economies.
- Engages with local leaders and community members, supporting community-based and Tribal efforts to plan regional strategies, set benchmarks, and measure progress.
- Strategically connects people with existing RD programs, other Federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, cooperatives, philanthropic organizations and local institutions in order to develop long-term partnerships.
The Community Economic Development approach helps communities/regions strengthen their readiness and capacity for success. – Our customers submit higher-quality applications for projects, increasing the amount of support Rural Development can provide to areas of greatest need.