Transcript USDA Funding and Technical Assistance Programs for Small

USDA Funding and Technical
Assistance Programs for Small
Wood Products Businesses
By
Larry Swan, U.S. Forest Service
and John Jebian, USDA Rural
Development
Background
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Forest Products Utilization
and Mktg Specialist,
“stump” to “markets”
Focus on forest mgt. and
mfg. residues, and use of
lower value wood
products
Primarily OR and CA
(lately);
OR, Business
Development Dept.
CA, USFS;
International and Fire
Assignments
Presentation Outline
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Purpose: Brief overview
of agency grant & loan
programs designed for
small businesses.
How to figure out what
you might want to do?
How to find an
appropriate program and
who to talk to?
Examples of USFS grant
programs.
Available for individual
consults afterwards.
Key Points About Government
Grant Programs
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Public purpose.
Often administered by
local offices and
organizations.
Loans are preferred.
Seldom for operating
capital.
Nothing is “free”.
Examples of Who to Contact?
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Local economic
development districts
and departments
Resource
Conservation &
Development Districts
Non-profits
State econ.
development dept.
and agencies
Federal agencies
Key Questions For Company
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What specifically
do I want to do to
improve economic
viability of
company?
What is purpose
and evaluation
criteria of grant or
loan program?
How to Find Out About Relevant
Programs?
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Trade association
members
Media
announcements
Speak to appropriate
offices, organizations
and agencies
Attend local economic
development
conferences
USDA Forest Service Grant
Programs
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Woody Biomass
Utilization Grants
(WBUG)
Congressional
earmarks
Sometimes partner
or try to leverage
other existing
grant programs.
Specific Example – WBUG Program
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Purpose?
Grant size and # of
applicants?
How many winners
and how much?
Successful examples?
Evaluation criteria?
Timing and effort?
Congressional Earmarks
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Pacific NW and
NSO
Midwest and EAB
S. CA and
drought/MPB/fires
Colorado and MPB
Hot Button Grant Topics
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Job creation and
retention
Renewable energy
Sustainability
Contact Information
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Larry Swan
USDA Forest Service
Email
[email protected]
Cell
541/891-7752