SBA continues to support small business growth in rural America

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of people have moved to rural America seeking to establish a livelihood fueled by entrepreneurship.

In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, in July 2020 alone, more than 550,000 new businesses were established in rural areas nationwide, which is a 95% increase over the previous year.

The pandemic may have forever changed the way we all do business, but the one constant that has not changed is the U.S. Small Business Administration’s commitment to helping entrepreneurs access the resources they require to make their business dreams a reality.

Much of the agency’s work nationwide over the last 18 months has been to help businesses survive the pandemic with programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program, Restaurant Revitalization Fund, COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and Shuttered Venues Operator Grants.

Many main street businesses, agricultural entities and nonprofit organizations in rural communities utilized these programs to retain employees and pay everyday expenses.

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