SESSION 9: Bill Tew

Grants for Poultry Production Bill Tew

Bill Tew, Business Programs Specialist USDA Rural Development

Bio

I was born and raised in a small town in Cumberland County, North Carolina, on a small family farm. I enjoy the outdoors, camping, hiking, hunting and fishing. I graduated from Appalachian State University (ASU) with a bachelor’s in business administration and love going back up to Boone for football games. I started my career with USDA Rural Development as a “student trainee” and was brought on after college as a full-time employee. I have been with the agency for going on 17 years. I work under our Business and Cooperative program division as a business programs specialist, and serve as NC’s REAP (Rural Energy for America) coordinator. I’ve been involved with the REAP program for approximately 14 of those years and have been coordinator for five. I enjoy working with farmers and rural small businesses under the program.

Grants for Poultry Production

I will present information on our Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). I will discuss the following information:

> What type of assistance is available (Guaranteed Loans and Grants)

> Eligible applicant types (Rural Small Businesses and Farmers)

> Types of eligible projects (Energy Efficiency Improvements and Renewable Energy

Systems). I will expand on these two project categories, giving examples (energy efficiency examples-lighting, insulation etc. Renewable examples-solar, wind etc.)

> I will then go into more detail on the funding availability (up to 25% grant, up to 75% guaranteed loan, 75% for a combo), loan guarantee terms (rates and terms negotiated with the lender and subject to USDA approval) and additional requirements (energy audits for efficiency projects, feasibility study for renewable system etc.).