The following is a list of federal programs that provide grants, loans, and technical assistance for sector-specific economic development projects. See additional lists of other federal programs here.
Programs and their requirements are subject to change, so please check department websites for current information. The Just Transition Fund last updated this list on February 23, 2023.
Rural Business Development Grants
Department of Agriculture
The Rural Business Development Grants program supports projects that provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Eligible applicants include government entities, nonprofits, higher education institutions, federally-recognized tribes, rural cooperatives, and other entities.
Rural Energy for America Program
Department of Agriculture
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grant program provides grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance to eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Eligible applicants include state, tribal, or local government entities, land-grant colleges or universities or other higher education institutions, rural electric cooperatives, and public power entity Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils. Projects eligible for grant funding include energy audits, renewable energy technical assistance, and renewable energy site assessments. Funds may be used for a variety of related projects.
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
Department of Agriculture
The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to help microenterprise startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund, and provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and microentrepreneurs. Funds can be used to make microloans for qualified business activities including working capital, debt refinancing, purchasing equipment and supplies, and improving real estate. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, federally-recognized tribes, and institutions of higher education.
Tribal College Initiative Grants
Department of Agriculture
The Tribal College Initiative Grant Program provides funding to 1994 Land Grant Institutions (Tribal Colleges) to make capital improvements to their educational facilities and to purchase equipment. Funds can be used by Tribal Colleges for infrastructure improvements, to purchase equipment and to develop essential community facilities.
Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grants
Department of Energy
The Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program is designed to provide grants to small- and medium-sized manufacturers to enable them to build new or retrofit existing manufacturing and industrial facilities to produce or recycle advanced energy products in communities where coal mines or coal power plants have closed.
Local Foods, Local Places
Environmental Protection Agency
Local Foods, Local Places provides technical assistance to support locally led, community-driven projects related to sustainable agriculture and food systems. Projects must create economically vibrant main streets and neighborhoods, boost economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses, and improve access to healthy, local food. Eligible applicants include local governments, Indian tribes, and nonprofits.