Fridays on the Farm: Growing Against the Grain

Farmers.gov has some great info in it’s Friday’s on the Farm info series. Today – January 19, 2024’s email says:

“This Friday meet Kyle Haroldson, an organic farmer in Brookings, South Dakota. Kyle started his operation to sell organic produce directly to customers. As an organic producer, he filled an uncommon niche in South Dakota, and the exclusive nature of his operation gives him a special position in the market.”

To read more, go to: https://www.farmers.gov/blog/fridays-on-farm-growing-against-grain?utm_campaign=fotf&utm_content=haroldson&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Pexels.com

Benefits.Gov – Financial Wellness Month

January is Financial Wellness Month!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

January marks Financial Wellness Month, a time for everyone to reflect on our financial health and take proactive steps towards achieving financial stability. In the spirit of this month, we’re highlighting a variety of government financial assistance programs that can serve as lifelines during challenging times.

Unemployment Benefits

Losing a job can be a challenging experience. Unemployment benefit programs provide a financial safety net by helping individuals and their families meet basic needs during a job search.

• The Unemployment Insurance (UI) program provides temporary financial assistance to eligible individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own.
• American Job Centers offer a range of free services to job seekers including training, career planning, and connections to job openings and local hiring events.
• The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is another option for unemployed or underemployed households. TANF provides grant funds to states to provide families with financial assistance and support services.

For more about unemployment resources, go to: https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Change%20or%20Loss%20of%20Job?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign

Housing Assistance

For those facing difficulties in meeting housing-related expenses, there are several government programs that can help.

• The Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants program provides loans to eligible, low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. For people aged 62 and older, this program also offers grants that can be used to remove health and safety hazards from homes.
• The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) provides rental assistance to eligible, low-income families. Through this program, participants receive vouchers that subsidize a portion of their rent, making the cost of housing more affordable.
• The Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can assist eligible, low-income households with their energy bills, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs. By helping cover costs such as heating and cooling, LIHEAP ensures that participants can maintain a comfortable and safe living environment.

For more about housing assistance, go to: https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Housing%20and%20Public%20Utilities?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign

Healthcare and Medical Assistance

Healthcare assistance programs, like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), ensure that individuals and their families have access to essential medical services. These programs help ease the financial burden of medical expenses, allowing people to prioritize their health without the fear of unmanageable costs.

For more information, go to: https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Healthcare%20and%20Medical%20Assistance?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign

Benefits.gov says: ”Financial wellness is a journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Visit Benefits.gov, your pathway to government benefits, to learn more about the resources and support offered through financial assistance programs.”

New from Benefits.gov: Where to Find Housing Assistance During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has brought unprecedented difficulties to people across the United States. Do you need assistance with mortgage or rent payments? Are you homeless or at risk of homelessness? Check out the recent article by Benefits.gov, “Where to Find Housing Assistance During the Pandemic.” The article explains where to find resources for homelessness assistance, affordable rental housing, foreclosure assistance and more.

Curious about other benefit and assistance programs? You can explore the 1,000 state and federal assistance programs hosted on Benefits.gov and check you eligibility using the Benefit Finder questionnaire.

Funding Opportunity – Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program

Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program (RHSE)

Funding Opportunity: Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program (RHSE) program supports quality of life in rural communities across the United States by addressing the relationship between rural prosperity and rural health; and safety in the context of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. RHSE program proposals are expected to be community-based outreach education programs, such as those conducted through Human Science extension outreach that provide individuals and families with:

• Information as to the value of good health at any age
• Information to increase individual or family’s motivation to take more responsibility for their own health
• Information regarding rural environmental health issues that directly impact human health
• Information about and access to health promotion and educational activities
• Training for volunteers and health services providers concerning health promotion and health care services for individuals and families in cooperation with state, local, and community partners.

For more information, read the RHSE funding opportunity.

New from Benefits.gov: Find Disability Assistance Online

Are you looking for benefits related to disability assistance? Benefits.gov has recently published a new article, Find Disability Assistance Online. In this article, you will learn how to find disability assistance online, what programs are available on Benefits.gov, and where to access program applications.

Benefits.gov hosts information on programs for citizens with disabilities that can help you lead a more independent life, including income assistance, employment accommodations, caregiver programs, and more. To explore these programs, visit our Disability Assistance category of benefits or take the Benefit Finder to check your eligibility for over 1,000 government programs.

New from Benefits.gov: Watch Out for Coronavirus Scams

Over the past few weeks, many citizens have received stimulus checks from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These payments provide critical relief for many Americans, as the coronavirus pandemic has caused significant economic disruption and put many out of work. In these uncertain times, the IRS is urging taxpayers to be cautious and keep an eye out for a potential rise in phishing scams. Benefits.gov encourages citizens to stay smart, and read our new article, “Watch for Coronavirus Related Scams”.

On Benefits.gov, you can find additional coronavirus resources, including our article on “Finding the Right Help During the Coronavirus” Outbreak”, our article “Coronavirus Resources for Unemployment and Small Businesses”, and our Coronavirus FAQ within our Help Center.

New from Benefits.gov: Coronavirus Resources for Unemployment and Small Businesses

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a rapid change in how many live their everyday lives, and millions have filed for unemployment as businesses closed. You may be wondering what your options are as social distancing rules remain in place. Benefits.gov strives to make accessing benefit information easier for all citizens – the coronavirus pandemic makes our mission more critical than ever.

In our new article, “Coronavirus Resources for Unemployment and Small Businesses”, learn about what resources are available for you and your business. In the article, you will find information on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, economic impact payments, small business loan resources and more!

On Benefits.gov, you can find additional coronavirus resources, including our article on “Finding the Right Help During the Coronavirus Outbreak”, and our Coronavirus FAQ within our Help Center.

USDA to Provide $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses and Ag Producers

USDA to Provide $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses and Ag Producers

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 21, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the Department is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA Business & Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural businesses and agricultural producers and being a strong supporter of all aspects of the rural economy,” Secretary Perdue said. “Ensuring more rural agricultural producers are able to gain access to much-needed capital in these unprecedented times is a cornerstone of that commitment.”

In addition to expanding eligibility to certain agricultural producers, the changes Secretary Perdue announced today allow USDA to:

• Provide 90 percent guarantees on B&I CARES Act Program loans;
• Set the application and guarantee fee at two percent of the loan;
• Accept appraisals completed within two years of the loan application date;
• Not require discounting of collateral for working capital loans, and
• Extend the maximum term for working capital loans to 10 years.

B&I CARES Act Program loans must be used as working capital to prevent, prepare for or respond to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The loans may be used only to support rural businesses, including agricultural producers, that were in operation on Feb. 15, 2020.

USDA intends to consider applications in the order they are received. However, the Department may assign priority points to projects if the demand for funds exceeds availability.

USDA announced the expanded B&I CARES Act Program authorities in a notice published in the May 21 Federal Register (PDF, 217 KB). Program funding expires Sept. 30, 2021.

Eligible applicants may contact their local USDA Rural Development State Office in the state where the project is located.

USDA is developing application guides for lenders and borrowers on the B&I CARES Act Program. The Agency also will host two webinars to provide an overview of program requirements.

To register for the webinar on Wednesday, May 27 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, visit globalmeet.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1322642&tp_key=7a700acddd.

To register for the webinar on Wednesday, June 3 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, visit globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1324161&tp_key=6067315417.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

 

Benefits.gov – Equity Investment – Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program

The Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program, part of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), was created in 1958 to fill the gap between the availability of venture capital and the needs of small businesses in start-up and growth situations. SBICs exist to supply equity capital, long­term loans and management assistance to qualifying small businesses.The privately owned and operated SBICs use their own capital and funds borrowed from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financing to small businesses in the form of equity securities and long­term loans. SBICs are profit­seeking organizations that select small businesses to be financed within rules and regulations set by SBA. Specialized SBICs (SSBIC) are a particular type of SBIC that provide assistance solely to small businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged persons.

SBICs invest in a broad range of industries. Some SBICs seek out small businesses with new products or services because of the strong growth potential of such firms. Some SBICs specialize in the field in which their management has special competency. Most SBICs, however, consider a wide variety of investment opportunities.

General Program Requirements

To obtain SBIC financing, you should first identify and investigate existing SBICs that may be interested in financing your company. Use the SBIC directory as a first step in learning as much as possible about SBICs in your state, or in other areas important to your company’s needs. In choosing an SBIC, consider the types of investments it makes, how much money is available for investment and how much might be available in the future. You should also consider whether the SBIC can offer you management services appropriate to your needs. Only companies defined by SBA as “small” are eligible for SBIC financing.

Loan Terms

This program provides equity investment as opposed to debt financing. The difference is that debt involves a loan that needs to be repaid on certain terms. An equity investment involves an Investment company that buy a piece of your business. They become co-owners in the business. These type of investments are negotiated by the investor and the company and therefore do not have standard terms like a debt financing (loan) program. More information about preparing for the investment is located at:
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/inv/esf/inv_sbic_financing.html.

Application Process

To follow the application process, please visit:
http://archive.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/inv/forsbicapp/INV_APPLICATION_PROCESS.html

To find information about active SBICs, please visit the National Association of Small Business Investment Companies (NASBIC) website at:http://www.nasbic.org

What Kinds of Fireworks are Legal in your State?

Some states allow all or most types of consumer fireworks (formerly known as class C fireworks). These include Roman candles, rockets, sparklers, firecrackers and more.

Other states only allow novelty fireworks or ban fireworks completely.

If you plan to use fireworks this 4th of July, find out what’s legal in your state.