Best Grants for Rural Development in Utah

Utah nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural microentrepreneurs can access loans and grants to run microloan revolving funds and provide training and technical assistance. Rural development organizations may be eligible to use USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program for working capital, debt refinancing, equipment and supplies, and real estate improvements, with awards up to US $500,000.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Utah can use these grants to support small rural businesses through technical assistance, training, and community economic development projects. With a mission to strengthen rural development, USDA Rural Development provides funding for activities like business counseling, infrastructure, revolving loan funds, incubators, and long-term strategic planning.

Utah State Historic Preservation Office

We provide technical support for archaeological and historic preservation projects and advise and assist agencies with their undertakings, But that isn't all.

Rural Revive & Reside Grant

Utah Main Street is providing funding for historic buildings in rural downtowns throughout Utah. This is a competitive grant program with funding from the National Park Service (NPS). If you own a historic building in a rural Tier 2 Utah Main Street community, the Rural Revive & Reside grant program can help you revitalize the interior of your property and create new opportunities for housing and business. This grant focuses on rehabilitating interior ground floor spaces for commercial uses, and interior upper floors for housing.

This grant requires a match equal to 25% of project funds awarded by UMS.

About DHHS

Mission

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services will support and serve all individuals and communities throughout Utah. It will do so through effective policy and the operations of an effective and efficient seamless system of services and programs that is centered around the individuals and communities the department serves.

PATH 1.1 Rural Food Infrastructure

The Utah Food Security Grant Program strengthens Utah's food supply chain through strategic investments in agricultural production, processing, storage, distribution, market access, and local food promotion. By supporting grant projects across the food system, from farm to consumer, the program helps expand opportunities for Utah producers, strengthen rural communities, and increase the availability of Utah-grown and Utah-raised food. 

FY27 funding is provided through the Rural Health Transformation Program, opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab in partnership with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Eligible Projects and Expenses

This grant supports projects that increase the production, processing, storage, distribution, market access, or safe delivery of Utah-grown and Utah-raised food to Utah consumers, with an emphasis in rural Utah. Eligible projects may address needs across the food supply chain. All proposed expenses must directly support an immediate increase in the availability of minimally processed eligible Utah-grown or Utah-raised food in rural Utah. Honey and added-sugar products are not allowable. For detailed eligibility requirements and a full list of allowable and unallowable foods and expenses, please review the Request for Applications (RFA), opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of eligible projects:

Production

Equipment and infrastructure that increase agricultural production or extend the growing season, including:

• tractors, harvesters, tillers, and other farm implements
• high tunnels, greenhouses, and indoor growing systems
• irrigation improvements
• frost protection equipment and supplies

Processing

Equipment that adds value to agricultural products or increases processing capacity, including:

• washing, peeling, slicing, chopping, shucking, pasteurizing, or other processing equipment
• bottling, bagging, labeling, packaging, and packing equipment
• slaughter and meat processing equipment

Distribution

Equipment and technology that improve the movement of food from producers to markets, including:

• refrigerated trucks, vans, or trailers or renovating existing distribution equipment for cold storage
• cold-storage upgrades for existing delivery vehicles
• inventory management and logistics software
• dock levelers and weather seals
• forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment
• logistics software to map the most efficient distribution routes, minimizing fuel costs and reducing the time highly perishable food spends in transit
• inventory tracking systems to track the location and distribution status of pallets or bins as they move from storage to the wholesale or retail destination. If you don’t have this system, you are encouraged to apply for it to report on your outcomes. 

Dry and cold storage

Equipment and non-construction facility improvements that preserve product quality and extend shelf life, including:

• Walk-in coolers, freezers, CoolBots, and cold storage systems
• Humidity, ventilation, and HVAC improvements
• Backup generators for cold storage
• Insulated storage bins and containers

Market access

Equipment, technology, and other investments that help producers reach new customers, access new markets, or expand sales capacity, including:

• e-commerce and online sales platforms
• point-of-sale systems
• inventory management, customer ordering, and sales software
• equipment or technology required to meet buyer requirements or enter new markets
• other equipment or technology that increases market access or sales capacity
• certification and Training - Certifications and training that help businesses meet industry standards, comply with buyer or regulatory requirements, or access new markets, including:
• good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• safe Quality Food (SQF)
• other certifications or training that support food safety, regulatory compliance, market access, or business growth
• cooperative marketing initiatives that promote Utah-grown or Utah-raised products and benefit multiple producers or food businesses 

Food Safety

• Equipment and systems that improve food safety and regulatory compliance, including:
• commercial washing and sanitation equipment
• steam-cleaning and sanitation systems
• temperature and humidity monitoring equipment
• other food safety improvements that support safe handling and storage

Minor construction, defined as building modifications or retrofitting that does not expand the existing building footprint, and upgrades to existing equipment may be funded but are subject to additional restrictions and limited available funding. Applicants should only include these costs when they are necessary to support an eligible equipment purchase or project. New and used equipment purchases are not subject to these restrictions.