Rural Business Assistance for Nevadans

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RuBA provides business training, mentorship, and funding up to $25K

Program to be delivered in English and Spanish

The Audacity Institute is accepting applications for the Rural Business Assistance Program (RuBA). to support small business, startups, side gigs or an amazing business idea.

Participants in the RuBA program will receive loans that will be forgiven upon completion of a nine-month online business training and mentorship program through the Audacity Institute.

“The RuBA program was designed to provide funding and support for business owners and those with amazing ideas,” said Danielle Rees from the Audacity Institute. “Audacity will provide mentoring and business training with peer support from a cohort of other Nevada rural business owners. The virtual training will require just a three-hour commitment per month over the nine-month program.”

Funds of up to $25,000 will be deposited in October after the first education session and one-on-one mentoring has been completed.

Qualified applications will:
• Have a business or business idea with less than $2 million in annual sales
• Be based in rural Nevada (which excludes the City of Reno, City of Sparks, and Clark County)
• Have been impacted by COVID-19

The online application closes on September 3rd at 11:59 p.m. Applications are available in English and Spanish and can be accessed at: RubaNV.com.

Audacity will provide application assistance in both Spanish and English at: 775-470-7789 or info@audacityinstitute.org.

RuBA is funded by a Community Development Block Grant from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Join the Nevada SBA for… Meet the Lenders Webinar

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Learn How to Access Capital to Start | Grow | Expand Your Business

WHEN

Tuesday, August 17, 2021 9:00 – 10:00am Pacific Time

Register Here!

Join the Nevada Small Business Administration and Nevada Small Business Development Center to meet Nevada lenders.

This program aligns with a Western Nevada Development District Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan strategy to connect small businesses with financial resources. These efforts continue to promote the region as a place where small businesses, entrepreneurs, and high-tech companies can start, build and grow.

The webinar features a panel discussion with loan officers from four Nevada lenders and an SBA representative. You will learn how to prepare for your next loan pitch, how lenders make their loan decisions, tips from the lenders on how to improve your loan pitch, and steps you could take to mitigate challenges when accessing capital.

Register Here!

ABOUT SBA

SBA maintains a local network of partners to counsel, mentor, and train small businesses. These independent organizations funded by the SBA provide high-quality training and counseling designed to meet the specific needs of small business owners and new entrepreneurs— for free or at a low cost. These SBA-approved experts can help create a successful business plan, get expert advice on expanding a business, or train a business team.

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities – August 6, 2021

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Collected by the Western Nevada Development District

Economic development grants and loans can help revitalize and build sustainability in urban, rural, and tribal communities. Strategic investments help support local economies, create jobs, and attract private investments to better residents’ lives. Every first Friday, the Western Nevada Development District will share our Five for Friday; grant programs from a variety of sources that can help the region navigate economic recovery from the pandemic, support volunteer fire departments or bring connectivity to tribal lands.


Investing in America’s Communities

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $3 billion from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan which will enable the EDA to provide larger, more transformational investments across the nation in six grant categories while utilizing its greatest strengths, including flexible funding to support community-led economic development. This is the largest economic development initiative from the Department of Commerce in decades and will help communities across the country impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Upcoming EDA webinars that will take a deep dive on the grant categories:
Economic Adjustment Assistance Webinar
Monday, August 9 @ 2pm EST
Indigenous Communities Webinar
Tuesday, August 10 @ 2pm EST
Good Jobs Challenge Webinar
Thursday, August 12 @ 2pm EST

EDA American Rescue Plan Programs | U.S. Economic Development Administration


Every Nevadan Recovers

The State of Nevada has launched its Nevada Recovers website to solicit ideas and projects for monies the state will receive from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) which will allocate a total of $6.7 billion to the state through a wide number of programs and services, such as K-12 education, vaccine distribution, food security, consumer protection, housing assistance, direct payments to taxpayers, and additional unemployment insurance assistance. The ARP also includes direct aid to State and local governments, which should deliver $2.7 billion to the State of Nevada, with counties and local governments expected to receive an additional $1 billion (collectively). Along with the digital survey found on the website, the State Treasurer’s office has kicked off a 75-day “Nevada Recovers Listening Tour” to connect with communities all over Nevada to get ideas on how the state could spend the money.

Two of the upcoming Town Hall meetings have been announced in the WNDD region:

August 10th, 5:00 pm: Pershing County – Pershing Community Center, Lovelock
August 12th, 1:30 pm: Mineral County – Hawthorne Ordnance Museum

Nevada Recovers 

RecupérateNevada.com


Volunteer Fire Departments

The Leary Firefighters Foundation’s Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program provides funds to paid and volunteer departments in three areas of support: training, with the goal of enhancing the professional development of departments; equipment, with the goal of providing the best equipment to help keep firefighters and the communities they serve safe; and technology, with the goal of ensuring that fire departments update along with technological advances. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000. Deadline: Letters of Intent 8/15/2021; invited applications 10/1/2021. Visit the Foundation’s website to review the guidelines for the Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program.

Leary Firefighters Foundation


Urban and Community Forestry Program

This program provides funding to local governments, educational institutions, Native –American tribal governments and non-profit groups for urban forestry projects. Proposed programs should foster partnerships reflecting the ongoing effort to provide healthy, safe and livable neighborhoods are highly encouraged. This grant program is part of Nevada’s ongoing initiative to provide funding for urban tree inventory and analysis, management planning, urban forestry awareness, education and outreach projects, and new urban tree plantings. Grant applications are open, and are awarded on an open and continuing basis They range from a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum grant request for urban forestry management planning, inventory, or tree assessments of $30,000.

Urban and Community Forestry Program


Broadband Service on Tribal Land

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has grants available for broadband service on Tribal Lands that promote the use of broadband to access remote learning, telework or telehealth resources during the Covid -19 pandemic. NTIA expects to make awards under this program within the following funding ranges: Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Projects: Between $1 million and $50 million. Broadband Adoption and Use Projects: $50,000 to $2.5 million. Deadline is September 1, 2021.

Broadband Service on Tribal Land

WNDD Economic Recovery Update – August 2021

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CEDS Priority Projects Identified

The Summer 2021 edition of the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD)’s Economic Recovery Update shares how WNDD’s Economic Recovery & Resiliency Plan is moving into the action phase. Plus, it details how the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Update has identified the region’s top infrastructure projects and workforce programs that promote economic recovery, community resiliency and job growth in top-paying industries. The update also shares information on the Economic Development Administration’s unprecedented $3 billion economic development initiative under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Part of a CARES Act Supplemental Award for the U.S., the Update aims to support the revitalization, expansion, and improvement of distressed communities’ infrastructure with a comprehensive goal to attract industry, encourage business retention, growth and recruitment, and generate sustainable private-sector jobs and investments.

This monthly newsletter is part of WNDD’s effort to identify and develop strategies to create and build a more resilient economy in our region, plus the latest in available grant opportunities.

Read the Update!

WNDD Economic Recovery Update – May 2021

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The May 2021 edition of the Western Nevada Development District’s Economic Recovery & Resiliency Update features a variety of information you can use.

Here are key takeaways:

1. The WNDD’s Economic Recovery and Resiliency Council, with its associated team members, supported by WNDD staff, identified four broad target areas needing focus and attention to recover from COVID-19 and become more resilient to future economic shocks.

2. Nevada is beginning to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The booming housing market, the return of notable events in Reno, the Washoe County gaming win, projected statewide revenue projections, and increased traffic at the Reno Tahoe International Airport are a few metrics we analyzed across the state.

3. The WNDD Board of Directors will review an update to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and rankings of more than 30 projects related to the strategy at its June 28 meeting.

4.  In May, the Department of Treasury announced its Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds guidelines. The stimulus money marks one of the most significant infusions of federal dollars into the state in history.

This monthly newsletter is part of WNDD’s effort to identify and develop strategies to create and build a more resilient economy in our region, plus the latest in available grant opportunities.

To read the full report.

Five for Friday Grant Opportunities – May 14, 2021

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Collected by the Western Nevada Development District

Economic development grants and loans can help revitalize and build sustainability in urban, rural, and tribal communities. Strategic investments help support local economies, create jobs, and attract private investments to better residents’ lives. Every other Friday, the Western Nevada Development District will share our Five for Friday; grant programs from a variety of sources that can help communities support local business, increase connectivity or provide affordable housing.

The Housing Assistance Council has flexible loan capital available to support preservation of USDA Section 515 properties, HUD-subsidized properties, and naturally occurring affordable housing in rural places. Eligible properties are existing affordable or mixed-income rental housing (with or without current income restrictions). Loans can be $50,000-$1.5 million, interest rates can be as low as 4.5%, and terms can be up to 180 months, with longer amortization periods based on project needs. Eligible borrowers include nonprofit organizations, for-profit developers, housing authorities, and tribal entities. For more information, see HAC’s website.

The Union Pacific Railroad’s Community Ties Giving Program provides Local Grants to nonprofit organizations that address the following categories: Safety, Workforce Development, and Community Spaces. Grants generally range from $2,500 to $25,000. Organizations interested in receiving a grant must complete an online survey to determine eligibility from June 1 through July 31, 2021, which is also the last day that eligible organizations may submit an online application. Visit  the Union Pacific Foundation website  for detailed information about the funding priorities and application process.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation strives to develop strong partnerships with non-profit organizations addressing issues fundamental to economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Current investment priorities are supporting economic mobility in the areas of affordable housing, small business development assisting indigenous or and minority entrepreneurs and neighborhood revitalization. Grant applications are being accepted May 31 through June 25, 2021. More information can be found at: Bank of America Charitable Foundation Philanthropic Strategy.

The FCC Rural Healthcare Program provides funding to eligible healthcare providers in rural areas for telecommunications and broadband services necessary for the provision of healthcare. It offers a discount on telecommunication expenses and network equipment for healthcare facilities to increase connectivity and access to broadband in rural areas to provide and improve healthcare. The application deadline is June 1, 2021. Funding Details: The Rural Health Care Program – Rural Community Toolbox.

USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program grants help fund distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas to increase access to education, training and health care resources that are otherwise limited or unavailable. USDA plans to make $44.5 million available in fiscal year 2021. Of this amount, $10.2 million is intended for projects that provide substance use disorder treatment services in rural areas. Eligible applicants include most state and local governmental entities, federally recognized tribes, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses. Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than June 4, 2021. More information:  Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants | Rural Development (usda.gov)  Or the local contact: Jim Park can be reached at: James.Park@USDA.gov

WNDD Economic Recovery Update – March 2021

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Profiles in Resiliency

Greetings Fellow Nevadans,

The March edition of the Western Nevada Development District’s Economic Recovery & Resiliency Update is hot off the press and ready to inform you on WNDD’s efforts to identify and develop strategies to create and build a more resilient economy in our region.

In it, you’ll find information about …
• Available grants
• Data and information regarding economic recovery
• Activities and progress of the WNDD region’s Economic Recovery and Resiliency Council
• Member success stories
• Information and registration links to the March 19th WNDD Webinar: Profiles in Resiliency
• And more!

We look forward to sharing new information with you each month!

Read the Update! 

Meet the Speakers: Profiles in Resiliency

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A Western Nevada Development District Webinar

Friday, March 19, 2021
9 am till 11 am

Presented by the WNDD Economic Recovery & Resiliency Council

To better understand the ability and notion of resilience in a world of community and individual crises, the Western Nevada Development District is pleased to present these experts who will share their experiences dealing with the floods of Hurricane Harvey, the devastating Tubbs Fire and the everyday reality of cyberattacks on our connected communities.

 

Jillian Donatto is lead staffer in administering programs in support of members of the Houston- Galveston Area Council and the Gulf Coast Economic Development District; leading design and execution of a 2-Year Action Plan for COVID-19-related economic recovery; support other programs across the Sustainable Development Portfolio ranging from regional conservation to transport.

 

 

 

 

Sean McGlynn was named Santa Rosa City Manager in 2014. He was previously a deputy city manager from El Paso, Texas overseeing a range of departments including aviation, planning and economic development. Last year, Mr. McGlynn was named City Manager of the Year by the California City Management Foundation for going “beyond the call of duty to lead and serve the community.”ation & land use planning.

 

 

 

 

Mark R. Schonberg (U.S. Army Colonel, Ret.) is President of TerraScale, a clean infrastructure design and development firm that is bringing Project Energos; a 3,700 acre mixed-use development near Fernley NV Reno, NV that aims to enable secure, swift storage and transmission of data between government agencies and commercial client. Schonberg has more than three decades of senior leadership in the United States Military in the IT services, Cyber Security and data center construction.

 

REGISTER TODAY!

 

 

 

Profiles in Resiliency

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A Western Nevada Development District Webinar

Join Us! Friday, March 19, 2021 at 9 am till 11 am

Presented by the WNDD Economic Recovery & Resiliency Council

One of the nation’s most devastating wildland fire events that turned into an urban inferno consuming 5,600 structures, and a hurricane which dumped enough water along the Gulf Coast to depress the earth’s crust, have become lessons in resiliency for the communities of Santa Rosa, CA and Houston, Texas.

In that same year, there was a quieter disaster as consumer credit reporting agency Equifax saw a massive breach to its web application that led to the loss of millions of records containing the social security numbers and birthdates 145.5 million people.

Join Santa Rosa City Manager Sean McGlynn, Jillian Donatto, Senior Planner of the Houston-Galveston Area Council and who will discuss the disaster events of 2017 that caused devastation and tremendous economic injury to their communities and how those recovery efforts are focused on future resiliency. They will be joined by U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) Mark R. Schonberg, President of TerraScale, who will present the newest element in disaster recovery and resiliency, cybersecurity.

Discussions will include:

  • Crisis events and their impacts
  • Economic challenges resulting from the impacts
  • Recovery efforts
  • Keys to planning for future resiliency
  • Lessons learned – what would they do differently

Explore all Aspects of Recovery and Resiliency

Hurricane Harvey was a Category 4 storm that hit Texas on August 25, 2017. It caused $125 billion in damage according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm dumped 1 trillion gallons of rain on Houston in four days, forcing 32,000 people out of their homes and into shelters There were 61 drinking water facilities that were inoperable and 203 boil-water notices in effect. Another 40 wastewater treatment facilities were inoperable.

 

 

 

 

 

The Tubbs Fire started the evening of Oct. 8, 2017 and burned a total of 36,807 acres in Napa and Sonoma counties — destroying 5,636 structures and resulting in the deaths of 22 civilians Much of the fire’s destruction was in Santa Rosa, particularly in the Coffey Park and Fountaingrove neighborhoods. The estimated cost of the fire’s destruction is between $7.8 to more than $10 billion.

 

 

 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights that we have entered the internet of all things, people and systems. Connectivity is essential for creating and sustaining economic growth and providing improved government services. This has also introduced enormous risks. Business and government agencies are increasingly a target for hackers and cybercrime, both globally and locally: SolarWinds, a major US information technology firm, was the subject of a cyberattack that spread to its clients and went undetected for months. In 2019, the Lyon County School District was the victim of a computer ransomware virus attack.

 

 

 

Register Today!

USDA Webinars to Share Latest Strategic Planning & Community Facility Grant Opportunities

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is hosting two webinars next month that will share the latest information on two grant programs; the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training (CF TAT) program and the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI).

CF TAT assists communities with awards of up to $150,000 to assist in identifying resources and planning for community facility needs.

RCDI grants are awarded to help non-profit housing and community development organizations, low-income rural communities and federally recognized tribes support housing, community facilities and community, entrepreneurship, and economic development projects in rural areas. Awards range from $50,000 to $250,000 and do require a local match.

The CF TAT and RCDI webinars are scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, 2021 and Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 2:00 EST, respectively.

Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant (CF TAT) Webinar

Tuesday, February 16, 2021
11:00 a.m. – Noon PST

CF TAT Webinar Registration!

Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Webinar

Thursday, February 18, 2021
11:00 a.m.- Noon PST

RCDI Webinar Registration!