USDA Awards Grants to South Dakota Organizations

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced grants to several organizations in South Dakota to help rural businesses.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that Value Added Agriculture Development Center in Pierre will receive $99,950 to help establish a small business in Shannon County. Four Bands Community Fund in Eagle Butte will get $99,000 for marketing support to capitalize on tourism, and Kyle-based Lakota Fund Inc. will receive $99,993 to provide training and assistance to Native American businesses.

Vilsack says small businesses are the backbone of the economy in small towns and rural communities. He says the USDA is focused on making sure Main Street businesses have the tools they need to grow.

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