Community Economic Development (CED) is a unique Division of USDA Rural Development created to foster the 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 with Rural Development programs like 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.