Without You, We Can’t Close the Digital Divide!

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Take the Nevada Speed Test!

Reliable, affordable broadband connectivity is vital to the development and well-being of all residents in the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) region. However, not all communities are equally-well served with broadband connectivity.

The Nevada Speed Test is counting on fellow Nevadans to pinpoint those locations by logging on to NevadaSpeedTest.org, a mapping tool which measures internet speeds. By analyzing home and business connectivity, strategies can be identified and funding solutions pursued that improve regional broadband infrastructure.

The Nevada Speed Test may be performed on any device that has an internet or cellular connection and takes less than one minute to complete. No personal information will be collected. Repeated speed tests are encouraged during the one-year initiative to better capture variations in internet speeds and collect more statistically valid data.

If you haven’t taken the test, please log in today. If you have, please share with your friends, family and business colleagues. To help you help us, below is a copy/paste blurb ready for sharing on your social media platforms or e-mail outreach.

Nevada Speed Test

Copy and Paste Blurb Below to Help Spread the Word!

Please join me in being part of the Western Nevada Broadband Initiative, a coalition of local governments working to improve broadband connectivity. Your help is needed to pinpoint the region’s most unserved and underserved homes and businesses. By logging on to NevadaSpeedTest.org, a mapping tool which measures internet speeds, we can analyze home and business connectivity to identify strategies and funding solutions to improve our regional broadband infrastructure. It takes less than a minute and thanks for your help!

Connectivity in Nevada

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Broadband Funding Could Help Our Rural Communities

Connectivity is a crucial element for students and educators, particularly in rural Nevada. KTVN’s Paul Nelson profiled Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) member Pershing County and its school district’s reliance on the internet and the obvious gaps in digital service.

The Nevada Speed Test can help affected communities access funds being made available through the American Rescue Plan and the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Improvement and Jobs Act.

WNDD is urging everyone to be counted and be connected. Take the Speed Test Today!

KTVN: Broadband Funding

Nevada Speed Test

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities – November 2021

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In our Nevada Speed Test edition of Five for Friday (Be counted and be connected at NevadaSpeedTest.org) we share economic development grants and loans which can help revitalize and build sustainability in urban, rural, and tribal communities. In this edition, the Western Nevada Development District shares grant programs that can help rural broadband connectivity, bolster school nutrition programs with locally-sourced food and promote water efficiency in the arid West.

 

ReConnect Program
US Department of Agriculture

USDA Rural Development recently announced that it will begin accepting applications on November 24, 2021, for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to expand the availability of broadband in rural areas. $350 million in grant funding – with no matching funds requirement – is being made available for Tribal governments and socially vulnerable communities.

Application Deadline: February 22, 2022

ReConnect Program

 

Telecommunications Infrastructure Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for loans and loan guarantees to build or update broadband and telephone infrastructure in rural areas where financing can be used for the construction, improvement, or expansion of telecommunications infrastructure serving rural areas with a population of 5,000 or less.

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Telecommunications Infrastructure Program

 

Farm to School Grant Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA Food and Nutrition Service Grants to plan, establish, and/or sustain a Farm to School program that improves access to local foods and nutrition/agriculture resources in schools. A Frequently Asked Questions document will also be available through the Farm to School Grant Applicant Resources Page of the FNS website. Please keep an eye on The Dirt e-newsletter for updates about the Farm to School Grant application!

Application Deadline: January 10, 2022

Farm to School Grant Program

 

WaterSMART
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR.gov)

Through WaterSMART, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation works cooperatively with states, tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply through investments to modernize existing infrastructure. Through WaterSMART, Reclamation provides financial assistance to water managers for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the western United States. Up to $2 million is available for projects that must be completed within three years.

Application deadline: December 9, 2021

WaterSMART

 

Investing in Food

America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative offers resources such as grants, loans, technical assistance services, programming, and other forms of support to projects that will improve access to fresh, healthy foods in underserved rural and urban areas. The Targeted Small Grants Program (TSG Program) is making available at least $4 million will be available for grants for innovative fresh food retail and food system enterprises Grants will range from $20,000 to $200,000.

Letters of Interest due: December 7, 2021

America’s Healthy Food Finance Initiative

 

 

 

 

 

Take the Nevada Speed Test

KOLO TV Covers Nevada Broadband

Free Internet Speed Test Launched to Better Connect People to School, Business and Government Services

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Local Governments Partner in Western Nevada Broadband Initiative

The Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) is partnering with local governments to launch the Nevada Speed Test, a project to bring reliable broadband service to the region’s most unserved and underserved homes and businesses. This connectivity is a cornerstone to business, education, financial literacy, access to employment and health care through telemedicine.

The Nevada Speed Test is counting on fellow Nevadans to pinpoint those locations by logging on to www.nevadaspeedtest.org, a mapping tool which measures internet speeds. By analyzing home and business connectivity, strategies can be identified and funding solutions pursued that improve regional broadband infrastructure.

The Nevada Speed Test is a primary element of the Western Nevada Broadband Initiative, a coalition of local governments that are members of WNDD which engages in regional economic development planning. The goal is to gather data in all communities within western Nevada served by the Development District.

“As local communities are dealing with community connectivity, or trying to apply for federal grants, we are running into challenges with the data that is needed to support those projects and grant applications,” said Reno City Councilwoman Naomi Duerr, who also serves as President of the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD).

The speed test and mapping hardware was created by GEO Partners LLC, a Minnesota-based tech company that analyzes real-time internet speed data by collecting speed test information from residents. GEO is an independent broadband data collection and analysis firm with extensive experience and not affiliated with any internet service providers (ISPs).

The Nevada Speed Test may be performed on any device that has an internet or cellular connection and takes less than one minute to complete. Citizens are asked only to take the speed test from their residence, place of business or school. Participation by everyone is essential. No personal information will be collected. Repeated speed tests are encouraged during the one-year initiative to better capture variations in internet speeds and collect more statistically valid data.

Speed test information will be superimposed on layers of GIS data for the region and will help pinpoint areas that are most in need of reliable, affordable access to broadband service. The tool can also create project cost estimates, measuring everything from topography to types of fiber construction methods and materials.

“Data is a critical piece to help local broadband groups and regional governments invest where service is needed and to avoid overbuilding infrastructure,” Duerr said. “With their groundbreaking work in other states, GEO Partners is a perfect fit.”

The Nevada Speed Test is particularly timely with the announcement of the American Rescue Plan which is calling for $10 billion for broadband and other projects through the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. At least $100 million is expected to come to Nevada. Another $42.5 billion for broadband has been included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill presently working its way through Congress. If enacted, this will mean a further $300 to $400 million to Nevada for broadband.

The Western Nevada Broadband Initiative will make this data available to local government partners to better provide the services citizens need and to use the date to capture federal grant funding.

“The Western Nevada Broadband initiative is interested in this mapping information being available to decision-makers so that they can provide the service that their citizens need,” said WNDD Vice President, Heidi Lusby-Angvick, Director of the Pershing County Economic Development Authority. “This speed test and mapping initiative will also provide information so that we can be more competitive in grant applications.”

Members of the Western Nevada Broadband Initiative include City of Reno, City of Sparks. City of Fernley. City of Lovelock, City of Fallon, City of Winnemucca, Douglas County, Washoe County, Storey County, Mineral County, Pershing County and Humboldt County. Marketing partners include the Nevada Farm Bureau and the Nevada Rural Housing Authority and WNDD’s Associate Members.

For more information, log on to www.wndd.org/broadband or contact Des Craig, Economic Recovery Coordinator and WNDD Broadband Project Manager at dcraig@wndd.org or (775) 560-0144.

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities – October 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, or sometimes second, Friday, the Western Nevada Development District will share our Five for Friday; grant programs from a variety of sources that can help rural healthcare services respond to COVID-19, address youth homelessness or build equity in broadband access.

Rural Health Care Grant Program

The Rural Health Care Grant Program provides up to $500 million in grant funding to help broaden access to COVID-19 testing and vaccines, rural health care services, and food assistance through food banks and food distribution facilities. Track One: Recovery Grants provide immediate relief to address the economic conditions arising from the COVID-19 emergency. Track Two: Impact Grants advance ideas and solutions to solve regional rural health care problems to support the long-term sustainability of rural health. Eligible applicants include public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally-recognized Tribes. Facilities and projects supported through this grant must be located in rural areas with populations of 20,000 or fewer, and must primarily serve rural areas.

Track One: Recovery Grants
Track Two: Impact Grants

HUD

HUD is offering funds through the Continuum of Care Program that seeks to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. This program supports efforts to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families, youth, and persons fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness.

Deadline: November 16, 2021

HUD: Continuum of Care (CoC) Program

Catholic Campaign For Human Development

The Catholic Campaign For Human Development (CCHD), established by the Catholic bishops of the United States, grant programs include the following: Community Development Grants support nonprofit organizations that are led by people living in poverty and work to address the root causes of poverty. Economic Development Grants support economic development initiatives that include the voice of the poor and marginalized in developing new businesses that offer good jobs or develop assets that will be owned by local communities. Grants range between $25,000 and $75,000.

Deadlines: Pre-applications for both programs may be submitted through November 1st, annually; the online application deadline is January 15th, annually.

CCHD Grants

Department Of Commerce Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program

The Department Of Commerce Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program supports the expansion of broadband Internet access, connectivity, and digital inclusion. Examples of supported activities include the purchase of broadband Internet access service or any eligible equipment, or to hire and train information technology personnel; to facilitate educational instruction and learning, including through remote instruction; to operate a minority business enterprise; or to operate a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization;

Deadline: December 1, 2021

Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program Grants

USDA’s Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program

USDA’s Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program provides grants to specialty crop producers and processors, other select producers, meat and other processors, distributors, and farmers markets to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID–19). This program is authorized and funded under section 751 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (Pub. L. No. 116—260). USDA developed the PRS Grant Program in response to extensive stakeholder feedback during listening sessions in March 2021, and written comments provided through March 30, 2021.

Application Period Closes: November 22, 2021

Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program USDA Info.

Have a Business Idea?

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Rural Pitch Day – Launch Rural Nevada
Don’t Miss It – November 5th, 2021

This annual event is designed for startups and small business owners in rural Nevada and provides opportunities for mentorship, access to capital, and connection with entrepreneurial support organizations throughout the Silver State. Learn from business experts how to launch business ideas followed by pitch presentations for awards up to $1,250. This year the event will be held in a hybrid format with local in-person viewing sites and online options.

NEW in 2021, thanks to a sponsorship from Nevada Gold Mines, Rural Pitch Day – Launch Rural Nevada is open to junior and senior high school students in rural Nevada!

Ready to pitch your business idea? Apply Today – Applications close October 22, 2021.

Rural Pitch Day Info.

Apply Now!

Get Your Tickets!

Economic Recovery Update – September 2021

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Record EDA Investments Aim to Build Back Better

The September 2021 Economic Recovery Report from the Western Nevada Development District shows how WNDD’s Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan is progressing toward implementation and how the WNDD Broadband mapping project is a tool to help close Northern Nevada’s digital divide.

The briefing also includes details on the Economic Development Administration’s historic $3 billion economic development plan, authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act. The update, funded through a CARES Act Supplemental Award for the United States, aims to support the revitalization, expansion, and improvement of distressed communities’ infrastructure to ultimately attract industry, encourage business retention, growth, and recruitment, and generate long-term private-sector jobs and investments.

Read the Update!

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities September 3, 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 expand workforce training and capacity, support rural community projects and improve mobility for underserved populations.

 

STEM Talent Challenge Program

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is seeking applications to create and implement innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) work-based learning models that complement their respective region’s innovation economy. The STEM Talent Challenge seeks to develop or expand regional workforce capacity to support high-growth, high-wage entrepreneurial ventures, industries of the future, and other innovation-driven businesses that have a high likelihood of accelerating economic competitiveness and job creation in their respective regions and in the United States. Must provide matching share equal to at least 50 percent of the total project cost; i.e., applicants must match each dollar requested with at least one dollar of applicant match. Up to $250,000 per request.

Deadline: October 12, 2021

STEM Challenge Program Details

 

Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides $10,000 in funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul model. The grants are aimed to inspire community engagement for economic and social change by aligning their projects and collaborate on community priorities. Grant funding requires a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or a partnering organization.

Deadline: Ongoing

Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program Details

 

T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program

This is intended to help build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities throughout the United States. Up to 100 towns each year for the next five years will receive community improvement grants of up to $50,000 each. Examples of eligible projects include revitalizing a town hall, a senior center, a local little league field, a library, or any space where friends and neighbors gather. Elected leaders, town managers and employees, and nonprofit leaders are eligible to submit applications. Requests will be reviewed quarterly.

Deadline: Ongoing

T-Mobile Program Application

 

Federal Transit Administration National Center for Mobility Management Grants and Assistance

The Federal Transit Administration National Center for Mobility Management is offering grants and technical assistance to support communities that are ready to take concrete steps toward implementing transportation solutions to help underserved residents become more fully engaged in economic opportunities, improve their health and well-being, and/or become more integrated into their community.

Deadline: October 15, 2021

NCMM Funding Guidelines

 

USDA Rural Energy Grants

Applications for the USDA Rural Energy Grants is now open for renewable energy systems and the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements. The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Deadlines:

Applications for Grants of $20,000 or Less and Loan/Grant of $20,000 or Less Combo Applications due by Nov. 1, 2021, or March 31, 2022.

Applications for Unrestricted Grants or Loan/Unrestricted Grant Combo Applications due by March 31, 2022.

USDA Rural Energy Grants Funding Guidelines

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.