Small businesses located in the Designated Newport City Downtown district are now eligible to receive grants for a wide variety of technical assistance services, thanks to an award to Newport Downtown Development from the USDA-RD Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program.
Eligible consulting services include website design, electronic payment processing, graphic design, marketing (including social media), feasibility studies, engineering plans, architectural services, energy audits, grant writing, environmental assessments, and training for software such as QuickBooks or website content management.
The grant funds may pay for up to 100% of the project’s cost, upon its satisfactory completion. Only small businesses, defined as 50 or fewer employees and generally less than $1 million gross profit are eligible.
NCIC (Northern Community Investment Capital) is assisting Newport Downtown Development in managing the funds.
Businesses must apply for funding, with assistance from NCIC available as needed. Applications will include a business plan (if available), ownership, and basic financial information. Applications should clearly describe how the project will enable the business to improve, expand, and increase employment opportunities.
If an application is accepted, NCIC can assist the business in soliciting proposals from qualified firms. At least three competitive proposals will be required for any work using grant funds. Once the business has selected a consultant, NCIC will prepare a consulting services contact.
For further information, questions, or application, businesses should contact Aimee Quimby, Business Programs Administrator, NCIC at (802) 748-5101, ext. 2019 or at AQuimby@ncic.org.
This project is funded through a Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) from USDA Rural Development, awarded to Newport Downtown Development. Newport Downtown Development is an equal opportunity employer, and provider. Funding from this program is provided without regard to sex, marital status, race, color religion, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, receipt of income from public assistance or because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act.