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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> Deiss, Jeff - Portland, OR <br><b>Sent:</b> Monday, January 24, 2011 11:23 AM<br><b>To:</b> Jeff Deiss (<a href="mailto:jeff.deiss@or.usda.gov">jeff.deiss@or.usda.gov</a>)<br><b>Subject:</b> Request for Oregon RBEG proposals<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dear friend of rural business development in Oregon!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>USDA Rural Development-Oregon is now seeking concept papers for our general Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program </span>in Oregon. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>THE RBEG PROGRAM:<o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Through our RBEG program, USDA Rural Development (RD) provides grant funds for PRECISELY-TARGETED technical assistance, training, feasibility studies, and other activities that support the development of SPECIFICALLY-IDENTIFIABLE, privately-owned, small business enterprises in rural areas. Eligible applicants are nonprofits, public bodies, and tribes. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>DEADLINE!<o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>If you are interested, please review the following guidance and submit a proposal <span style='color:black'>as outlined below by <b><u>March 4, 2011</u></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW: <o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Everything you need to know about the RBEG program and to respond to this opportunity is available on RD-Oregon’s RBEG web site: <a href="http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/rbeg.htm">http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/rbeg.htm</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>FUNDS AVAILABLE:<o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although the exact amount of RBEG funding available is not yet certain, it is likely that there will be about $400,000 of RBEG funds allocated to Oregon (roughly the same amount as last year). Although the RBEG program is relatively small, it can still be an invaluable tool in rural business development. Last year our office received 107 Oregon RBEG proposals seeking just over $2,000,000, out of which we awarded 40 grants<span style='color:black'>, </span>with sizes ranging from $5,000-$25,000. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'></span><p class=MsoNormal>TYPES OF PROPOSALS WE ARE SEEKING: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In order to distribute the limited RBEG funds among as many worthy proposals as possible, we are encouraging proposals seeking not more than $25,000. However, in order to provide a meaningful level of assistance, we would generally not encourage proposals for less than $10,000. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Technical assistance/problem-solving proposals are encouraged over real estate and revolving loan fund projects. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In developing your proposal, please pay particular attention to the priority scoring system described in the “RBEG program overview” link on our web site. It is used by USDA to select among RBEG applicants. Design your project to maximize your project’s priority score and thereby improve your prospects of success. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Note that in order to be competitive, a minimum 1:1 match with nonfederal funds is advised.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In FY2011, USDA’s State Director discretionary points will be awarded to projects emphasizing:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><b><u>Baseline<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Priority #1: Projects likely to lead to immediate job creation<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Priority #2: Projects with a regional approach, leveraging regional resources<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><b><u>Economic development strategies<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Food & Value-Added<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Value-added processing<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Local foods & food hubs<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Healthy Foods Financing Initiative<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Rural groceries<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Food deserts<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>USDA’s Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Energy<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Energy efficiency assistance for small business & farmers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Renewable energy for small business & farmers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Biomass (especially involving US Forest Service)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Ethanol pump deployment<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Underserved Groups<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Hispanic business development<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Native American business development<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Main Streets & downtown revitalization<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Linking historic preservation & economic development<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Energy efficient Main Streets<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Electric charging stations supporting rural tourism<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Smart growth<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>New Capital Markets<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Angel investment network development<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Ecosystem financing<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>General Business Assistance<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Legal aid<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Remote rural TA<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Entrepreneurship development<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Workforce Development that increases employment opportunities or job security<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Innovative financing <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo12'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Microlending best practices<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo12'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Peer lending<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo12'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>New Market Tax Credits<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>International Markets and Export Development<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Sustainable Forestry<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo12'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Projects receiving support from US Forest Service’s Collaborative Landscape Restoration Grant<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Natural resource-based tourism<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Business development utilizing telecommunications & broadband<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>New and creative approaches to rural business development<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><br>A CONCEPT PAPER IS REQUESTED:<o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since we expect to receive many more RBEG proposals than we can fund, instead of seeking full, detailed applications, we are only seeking a brief “concept paper” from prospective applicants. This will save everyone time and effort while still allowing USDA to survey the field of candidate projects. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The RBEG “Concept Paper” can be downloaded from our RBEG web site (see above). Please be succinct and clear in completing it. When finished, a “Concept Paper” should not need to be more than 2 pages, and no advantage will be given to longer proposals. Remember, we are soliciting concepts, not full RBEG application packages.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>DEADLINE FOR CONCEPT PAPERS:<o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Your RBEG “Concept Paper” should be submitted to the Oregon Rural Development State Office – preferably by e-mail to <a href="mailto:julie.stedman@or.usda.gov">julie.stedman@or.usda.gov</a> by not later th<span style='color:black'>an <b><u>March 4, 2011</u></b></span>. If you wish to send it by regular mail, our address is: USDA Rural Development, Attn: Business & Cooperative Programs, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Ste. 801, Portland, OR 97232. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>THE REVIEW & SELECTION PROCESS: <o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year we will again use a geographic allocation of RBEG funds within Oregon corresponding to RD’s organizational structure of four Area Offices – one in eastern Oregon (Pendleton), one in central Oregon (Redmond), one in northwestern Oregon (Corvallis), and one in southwestern Oregon (Roseburg). 20% of the RBEG funds will be allotted to each area, with the remaining 20% used as either a state reserve or for projects that transcend area boundaries. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Concept proposers are strongly encouraged to discuss their proposals with the RD Business Programs Specialist in the Area Office responsible for the part of the state where the project will focus. Contact information for these individuals is online at:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/bizcontact.htm">http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/bizcontact.htm</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Feedback will be provided to all Concept Paper proposers. Proposals that appear to be most competitive will be especially encouraged to submit full applications, though of course everyone will be welcome to apply formally. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Tentatively, we will be asking for full applications by around April 4</span>. This should allow us to make RBEG award announcements in May so that projects can start by not later than June. (This estimated timeframe is based on the assumption that the FY2011 Federal Budget will be finalized in the next month or so.)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style='border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>QUESTIONS?<o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have questions or concerns, please contact anyone on Oregon’s Business & Cooperative Programs staff. Our contact information is on-line at: <a href="http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/bizcontact.htm">http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/bizcontact.htm</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks for your efforts in Oregon rural business development. We look forward to working with you on your innovative proposals!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Jeff Deiss, Business & Cooperative Program Director<br>USDA Rural Development, Oregon State Office<br>1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Ste. 801, Portland, OR 97232-1274<br><a href="mailto:jeff.deiss@or.usda.gov">jeff.deiss@or.usda.gov</a><br>503-414-3367 phone; 503-414-3397 fax<br>Visit our web site, <a href="http://www.ruralOregon.biz">http://www.ruralOregon.biz</a><br>For energy programs, <a href="http://energy.ruralOregon.biz">http://energy.ruralOregon.biz</a></span> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>