June 5, 2024 3:50 a.m. 

On Tuesday, Senator Ron Wyden said he has joined Senate colleagues in calling for the Senate Appropriations Committee to secure federal investment for small businesses in rural Oregon and nationwide through the Rural Business Development Grant Program.

The senators wrote, “Since launching in 2015, RBDG funding has provided support for planning, technical assistance, job training, and other business development needs in rural areas in all fifty states. Small businesses provide the majority of jobs in rural communities, yet often have less access to credit and capital when compared with urban areas”.

Wyden’s release said the senators requested $37 million for the Rural Business Development Grant Program. This program specifically supports the development and growth of rural small and emerging businesses with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues.

The senators concluded, “Investing in our rural businesses, such as through the RBDG program, ensures that communities in every corner of the country can continue to thrive and cultivate a strong local economy”.

The letter was led by Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada. In addition to Wyden, it was signed by nine other Democratic senators.