PROGRAM GUIDE FOR TEXAS RURAL COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES 2023-2024
Please note, programs are subject to available funding. Program details and availability is subject to change. We encourage you to reach out to confirm funding availability and application details.
Publication Date: January 1, 2023
The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Trade & Business Development Division is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life in rural Texas through its community and economic development programs.
For additional information, CONTACT: EconomicDevelopment@TexasAgriculture.gov
Community Assistance
• GO TEXAN Program
• Rural Economic Development Finance Program – Texas Rural Community Loan
• Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Program –Community Development Fund
• TxCDBG Program - Colonia Construction Fund
• TxCDBG Program – Downtown Revitalization Program
• TxCDBG Program - Fire, Ambulance, and Services Truck (FAST) Fund
• TxCDBG Program – Rural Economic Development Grant
• TxCDBG Program – State Urgent Need Fund
• Texas Rural Business Fund
Rural Health & Access to Healthy Food
• Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (FLEX)
• Rural Communities Health Care Investment Program (RCHIP)
• Rural Health Clinics Technical Assistance Program
• Rural Health Facility Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
• Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP)
• Texas Farmer Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Program
• Texans Feeding Texans Home Delivered Meal Grant Program
• Texas Rural Hospital Board Education Program
• Texas Rural Hospital Quality Improvement Training Program
Business Assistance
• Agricultural Loan Guarantee Program
• GO TEXAN Program
• Rural Economic Development Finance Program - Agricultural & Community Economic Development Loan
• Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA)
• State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
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GO TEXAN PROGRAM
CONTACT: GOTEXAN@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
GO TEXAN is dedicated to showcasing the diversity and quality of Texas-based businesses and highlighting Texas communities, farmers markets, and events. GO TEXAN Partners are eligible to apply for unique funding and marketing opportunities that support the GO TEXAN Program.
Eligibility
Communities, farmers markets, livestock shows, chambers of commerce, and other entities are eligible to apply.
Cost
Based on a tier partnership ranging from $100 to $5,000 per year.
RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE PROGRAM TEXAS RURAL
COMMUNITY (TRC) LOAN
CONTACT: EconomicDevelopment@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
The TRC Loan provides access to capital with favorable terms and the opportunity to leverage future tax revenue to address economic development priorities, assist in rural economic development or support the agricultural industry.
Eligibility
Rural political subdivisions (cities, counties, special purpose districts) and EDCs supporting agricultural business or furthering rural economic development. A rural area means an area which is predominately rural in character; an unincorporated area or a city with a population under 50,000; or a county with a population under 200,000.
Application
Available on a rolling basis.
Maximum Loan Amount
$5 million
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE 2
TxCDBG PROGRAM
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (CD) FUND
CONTACT: EconomicDevelopment@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
The CD Fund is the largest fund category in the TxCDBG Program. Funds may be used for public facilities including infrastructure and housing activities. Applications are accepted on a biennial basis through a competition in each of the 24 state planning regions.
Eligibility
Non-entitlement cities or counties.
Application
Available on a biennial basis.
Maximum Grant Award
Published at the time of application.
TxCDBG PROGRAM COLONIA FUND - CONSTRUCTION (CFC)
CONTACT: EconomicDevelopment@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
The CFC provides eligible applicants with grants to fund water and wastewater improvements, housing rehabilitation for lowto moderate-income households, the payment of assessments levied against properties owned and occupied by persons of low and moderate income to recover the capital cost for a public improvement and other improvements including street paving and drainage.
Eligibility
Counties are eligible to apply for projects in severely distressed unincorporated areas which meet the definition as a colonia Eligible areas are units of general local government limited to nonentitlement areas (with the exception of Hidalgo County) located within 150 miles of the Texas-Mexico border.
Application
Available on a biennial basis.
Maximum Grant Award
$1,000,000
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TxCDBG PROGRAM DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROGRAM (DRP)
CONTACT: EconomicDevelopment@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
DRP provides funding to support infrastructure improvements that are contributing to the deterioration of a community’s downtown or main street area.
Eligibility
Non-entitlement cities or counties.
Application
Available on an annual basis.
Grant Award Amount $250,000 - $500,000
TxCDBG PROGRAM FIRE, AMBULANCE, AND SERVICES TRUCK (FAST) FUND
CONTACT: EconomicDevelopment@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
The FAST Fund provides funds for eligible vehicles to provide emergency response and special services to rural communities.
Eligibility
Non-entitlement cities or counties.
Application
Available on a biennial basis or as funding allows.
Maximum Grant Award
$750,000
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE 4
CONTACT: EconomicDevelopment@TexasAgriculture.gov Overview The RED Grant provides funding to create an economic development action plan. If the planning is successful, communities may access additional funding to implement eligible projects identified in the plan. Eligibility Non-entitlement cities or county.
CONTACT: EconomicDevelopment@TexasAgriculture.gov Overview
The SUN Fund is available following a natural disaster and events that are not eligible for federal disaster assistance. It provides funding to address disaster-related damage to public infrastructure and utilities and mitigation measures. Eligibility Non-entitlement cities or counties impacted by a natural disaster that are not eligible for federal disaster assistance.
PROGRAM
TxCDBG
RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (RED) GRANT
PROGRAM STATE URGENT NEED
Application Pilot pending – Intended to be available on an annual basis. Maximum Grant Award $1,000,000 TxCDBG
(SUN) FUND
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Application Available following natural disasters that are not eligible for federal disaster assistance. Grant Award Amount $100,000 - $500,000
TEXAS RURAL BUSINESS FUND (TxRBF)
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
Overview
Eligibility Rural cities or counties. Application Available on a rolling basis. Grant Award Amount $250,000 - $1 million 6
CONTACT: EconomicDevelopment@TexasAgriculture.gov
TxRBF is a pilot program that provides funding to rural communities and counties to support job creation and industry development in rural Texas. Funds must be used for public infrastructure improvements that support an eligible job creation project that significantly impacts the community and has the potential to spur additional economic development opportunities.
RURAL HEALTH & ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS
MEDICARE RURAL HOSPITAL FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM (FLEX)
CONTACT: RuralHealth@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
FLEX provides funding to support Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) or those considering converting to a CAH. Funding can support strategic planning, training and development, quality improvement, financial and operational improvement activities, and data reporting.
Eligibility CAHs in Texas.
Application Available on an annual basis.
RURAL COMMUNITIES HEALTH CARE INVESTMENT PROGRAM
(RCHIP)
CONTACT: RuralHealth@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
Assists rural communities in recruiting non-physician health care professionals.
Application Available on an annual basis.
Maximum Grant Amount $10,000
RURAL HEALTH CLINICS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
CONTACT: RuralHealth@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
In partnership with Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals (TORCH) , TDA provides technical assistance and resources to the 300+ rural health clinics within the state.
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RURAL HEALTH & ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS
RURAL HEALTH FACILITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP)
CONTACT: RuralHealth@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
CIP provides funding to rural public and non-profit hospitals to make capital improvements to existing facilities, construct new health facilities, or to purchase capital equipment.
Eligibility
Rural public and non-profit hospitals.
Application
Available on an annual basis.
Maximum Grant Amount $75,000
SMALL RURAL HOSPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
(SHIP)
CONTACT: RuralHealth@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
SHIP provides support to small rural hospitals with 49 beds or less. Funds may be used to help hospitals attain value-based purchasing provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), aid hospitals in joining or becoming accountable care organizations, create savings programs per ACA, and enable hospitals to purchase equipment and/or training to comply with ICD-10 standards, payment bundling and care transitions.
Eligibility
Small rural hospitals with 49 beds or less.
Application
Available on an annual basis.
Maximum Grant Amount
Depends on allocation. Generally, awards are approximately $11,000.
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TEXAS FARMER MENTAL HEALTH & SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM
CONTACT: RuralHealth@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
In partnership with the national non-profit AgriSafe Network and the Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education (at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler), TDA launched a crisis helpline dedicated to supporting Texas farmers and ranchers.
• The AgriStress Helpline number for Texas is 833-897-2474.
• The helpline crisis model is unique because of the following:
» Accessible to the Texas agricultural community 24/7.
» Staffed by credentialed professionals trained to respond appropriately to the agricultural community through a program developed by experts in mental health, agriculture production, mediation, and financial analysis.
» Utilizes a “care navigation” process that triages for safety with crisis intervention and directs callers to the appropriate resources for their situation.
TEXANS
CONTACT: Grants@TexasAgriculture
Overview
FEEDING
HOME DELIVERED MEAL
TEXANS
(HDM) GRANT
The HDM Grant provides grant funding to support eligible entities that deliver meals to homebound adults over the age of 60 or disabled individuals.
and non-profit agencies.
Period Available on an annual basis. 9
Eligibility Governmental
Application
TEXAS RURAL HOSPITAL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM
CONTACT: RuralHealth@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
In partnership with TMF Health Quality Institute, TDA provides in depth training to quality improvement leaders of rural Texas hospitals to prepare for the Certified Professional in Health Quality (CPHQ) exam, which is a standard-bearer in quality certification.
TEXAS RURAL HOSPITAL BOARD EDUCATION PROGRAM
CONTACT: RuralHealth@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
This program provides education and training on governance to boards of directors of rural Texas hospitals.
Application
Available on an annual basis.
TEXAS RURAL HOSPITAL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM (QITP)
CONTACT: RuralHealth@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
The QITP program provides in-depth quality improvement training to quality managers of rural Texas Hospitals. The program trains participants to be able to sit for the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) exam.
Application
Available on an annual basis.
RURAL HEALTH & ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS
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AGRICULTURAL LOAN GUARANTEE (ALG) PROGRAM
CONTACT: EconomicDevelopment@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
The ALG Program provides financial assistance to Texas farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses in the form of a loan guarantee. The program works in partnership with a commercial bank to guarantee an eligible loan.
Eligibility
Open to agricultural enterprises in Texas. Application
Available on a rolling basis/subject to available funding. Loan
GO TEXAN PROGRAM
CONTACT: GOTEXAN@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
The GO TEXAN program is a Texas Department of Agriculture initiative dedicated to identifying and supporting Texas-based businesses and connecting them with customers across the Lone Star State and around the world. GO TEXAN Partners may use the GO TEXAN mark on their products and receive access to many funding and marketing opportunities to grow their business.
Eligibility
Companies with products grown, manufactured, value added or processed in Texas. Companies with non-agricultural Texas-made products are eligible to apply as well with some limited benefits.
Cost
Based on a tier partnership ranging from $100 to $5,000 per year.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Period
Guarantee Amount
Up to $500,000 or 80%, whichever is less, or up to $250,000 or 90% of the loan whichever is less.
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RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE PROGRAM
AGRICULTURAL & COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (ACED) LOAN
CONTACT: EconomicDevelopment@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
The ACED Loan provides a source of capital for Texas-based entities (non-profit or for-profit) via a financial institution. The entities must use the funds to support agriculture businesses, further rural economic development, or significantly impact the agricultural industry. The proposed project must demonstrate substantial community support and impact.
Eligibility
Entity may be located in urban or rural Texas, but the project must support the agricultural industry or further rural economic development.
Application
Available on a rolling basis/subject to available funding.
Maximum Loan Amount $5 million
SOUTHERN U.S. TRADE ASSOCIATION (SUSTA)
CONTACT: GoGlobal@TexasAgriculture.gov
Overview
SUSTA helps small businesses in the Southern United States promote value-added U.S. food and agricultural products to foreign markets. Eligible companies may apply for a free SUSTA membership and have access to its unique programs and resources designed to support both new and seasoned exporters.
Programs
• Educational Resources: SUSTA members have access to an Export Helpline, Export Readiness Training, and market research.
• Global Events: SUSTA’s Global Events Program provides an opportunity for SUSTA members to connect with and showcase their products to international buyers at inbound and outbound trade missions and trade shows.
• 50% CostShare: The 50% CostShare Program reimburses half of eligible expenses to promote product(s) in foreign markets.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
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TRADE EXPANSION PROGRAM (STEP) CONTACT: Grants@TexasAgriculture.gov Overview STEP provides financial resources to support small businesses with export development activities. Application period Available on an annual basis. Maximum Grant Amount $10,000 13
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