American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association September 15, 2014 Marksville, Louisiana

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1 American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association September 15, 2014 Marksville, Louisiana

2 OTR is responsible for: Government-to-government relations between USDA and tribal governments Advising Secretary Vilsack on Tribal issues and concerns Serving as a primary Point of Contact on Tribal Consultation Facilitating Tribal Access to USDA programs & USDA outreach to Tribes The Council on Native American Farming and Ranching Representing USDA on Cross-Federal Teams Ex. White House Counsel on Native American Affairs (Energy, Climate, Economic Development); Education, Infrastructure, Youth and Workforce focus from President s trip;

3 White House Council on Native American Affairs Energy Finance/Capital Climate Change Sacred Sites Working Group Exports Let s Move! in Indian Country Education, Infrastructure, Youth and Workforce focus from President s trip

4 Rural Utilities Service Electric Programs Water & Environmental Programs Telecommunications Programs Program Areas Rural Housing & Community Facilities Single Family Housing Multi-Family Housing Community Facilities Rural Business Cooperative Service Business & Industry Guaranteed Loans Rural Business Enterprise Grants Rural Business Opportunity Grants Rural Energy for America Program

5 Guaranteed Loans Funding Streams Grants Direct Loans Direct Payments

6 RBEG Grants Made to organizations to finance & facilitate development of small & emerging private business enterprises. Rural Areas = 50,000 or less Tribes are eligible applicants Grants don t go directly to for-profit businesses! There is no maximum level of grant funding. However, smaller projects are given higher priority. Generally grants range $10,000 up to $500,000. FY 2013 = $3.154M (legislative mandate for Tribes) $21.9 Million = regular program (Tribes are eligible)

7 PURPOSE To support the development of small and emerging private business enterprises in rural areas (less than 50,000 population). A small and emerging private business enterprise is : Private business which will employ 50 or fewer new employees; and Has less than $1 million in projected gross revenues. APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY Public bodies Private nonprofit corporations serving rural areas Federally recognized Indian/Alaska Tribal Groups

8 USE OF GRANT FUNDS Technical assistance for private business enterprises. Feasibility studies, technical consultation, and analysis. Financial assistance to third parties through a loan (revolving loan fund) for start-up operating cost and working capital. Training, when necessary, in connection with technical assistance. Equipment to be leased by small and emerging small business. Economic planning in rural communities, Technical assistance for rural businesses, or Training for rural entrepreneurs or economic development officials.

9 PURPOSE The primary objective of the RBOG program is to promote sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs. This is accomplished by making grants to organizations to provide for economic development planning, technical assistance, or training. APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY Public bodies Private nonprofit corporations serving rural areas Indian Tribes institutions of higher education rural cooperatives

10 USE OF GRANT FUNDS Grant funds must be used for projects in rural areas and they can be used for: - Community economic development - Technology-based economic development - Feasibility studies and business plans - Leadership and entrepreneur training - Rural business incubators - Long-term business strategic planning Maximum Grant Amount: $50,000 Estimated Program Funding: $2.25 Million Maximum Grant Amount: $100,000 Cost Sharing Requirement: None

11 B&I Purpose: To improve, develop or finance business, industry & employment and improve the economic & environmental climate in rural communities. Rural = 50,000 or less Tribes are eligible applicants Tribally-owned businesses are eligible Businesses owned by tribal members are eligible Most loan guarantees are $10 million or less 80% Maximum Guarantee (with certain exceptions) FY 13 = $8.7 million tribal funding Regular program = $25.2 million

12 APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY cooperative organization, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity organized and operated on a profit or nonprofit basis an Indian tribe on a Federal or State reservation or other Federally recognized tribal group a public body an individual. A borrower must be engaged in or proposing to engage in a business that will: Provide employment; Improve the economic or environmental climate; Promote the conservation, development, and use of water for aquaculture; or Reduce reliance on nonrenewable energy resources by encouraging the development and construction of solar energy systems and other renewable energy systems.

13 USE OF LOAN FUNDS Business and industrial acquisitions when the loan will keep the business from closing, prevent the loss of employment opportunities, or provide expanded job opportunities. Business conversion, enlargement, repair, modernization, or development. Purchase and development of land, easements, rights-of-way, buildings, or facilities. Purchase of equipment, leasehold improvements, machinery, supplies, or inventory.

14 Loans, loan guarantees and grants for essential community facilities in rural areas. CF funds may be used only for services customarily provided by a local unit of government. Priority is given to health care, education and public safety projects. Typical projects are hospitals, health clinics, schools, fire houses, community centers and many other community based initiatives. Can be utilized for cultural centers, museums, and other non-profit uses. Gift shop, rental space, etc. can occupy up to 25% of the floor space of the community facility AND must be related to, and enhance, the primary purpose of the facility.

15 Loans and guaranteed loans and grants to develop essential community facilities in rural areas and towns of up to 20,000 in population. Loans, loan guarantees and grants are available to public entities, including non-profit corporations and tribal governments. Grants are authorized on a graduated scale. Applicants located in small communities with low populations and low incomes will receive a higher percentage of grants.

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18 Leslie Wheelock Director John Lowery Tribal Relations Manager 1400 Independence Ave., SW Rm. 501-A, Whitten Building Stop 0112 Washington, D.C Phone: (202) Fax: (202) Josiah Griffin Program and Outreach Assistant