WASHINGTON, September 10, 2004 –- Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the selection of eleven 1890s Land Grant Universities to receive nearly $1.5 million in business and technology development assistance. These funds will provide outreach and technical assistance in developing new businesses and employment opportunities in underserved rural communities.

    "USDA's partnership with 1890 Institutions is critical to the development of new business opportunities in underserved areas and supports President Bush's economic plan to create jobs in rural America," said Veneman. "I commend the 1890 Institutions for placing a priority on integrating new technologies into local business initiatives. It is critical to the ability of entrepreneurs to compete domestically and globally."

   The 1890 Institutions have some of the best agricultural science and business education programs in the nation. Through the cooperative agreements announced today, USDA will be building upon the strength of these programs to ensure that quality education related to small business development is also available in these communities.

   "Underserved communities and businesses are benefiting from the effort to match up the technical and financial resources of USDA Rural Development with the technical business expertise at the 1890 Institutions," said Agriculture Acting Under Secretary for Rural Development Gilbert Gonzalez.

   Gonzalez said that USDA has a strong track record of support for such 1890 initiatives and cited two examples of how the funds have created new economic opportunity and improved the quality of life for residents in economically challenged communities. For example, the Center for Rural Life and Economic Development at Alcorn State University Entrepreneurial Outreach program has provided training and technical assistance to individuals in business and planning to start new businesses in its five-county area of Southwest Mississippi. In Arkansas, the partnership effort has helped a Menefee, Ark. manufacturing company to create new jobs and hire new employees and anticipate the hiring of additional employees as a result of financial assistance provided through the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

   Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Ala.--$150,000 for strengthening entrepreneurial and business development activities in the Alabama Black Belt counties and other targeted communities by providing business economic development training, technical assistance and develop information technology for business and rural development.

   University of Maryland-Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Md.--$125,000 to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to develop entrepreneurs and businesses, including cooperatives. Funds will be used to develop a micro-lending program and develop and train micro-enterprise businesses in business operations and e-commerce in cooperation with Maryland Capital Enterprises, a non-profit organization. Additionally, funds will be used to develop a network of hydroponic greenhouse growers.

   Southern University in Baton Rouge, La.--$150,000 to provide the residents in four rural communities and parishes (counties) with essential technical and financial services assistance through conducting seminars, entrepreneurial conferences, and provide information technology training and support services.

   University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, Ark.--$135,000 to be used to provide outreach and technical assistance to develop entrepreneurs and businesses, including cooperatives. Funds will be used to focus on the creation of business enterprises that develop and/or utilize technology-based products and services, along with implementation of a business support incubator to house 12 to 15 new or start-up businesses.

   Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Ga.--$150,000 to provide services for expansion and enhancement of economic development, creation of new business and cooperative development opportunities, community development and revitalization, tourism and increased usage of computer technology.

   Delaware State University in Dover, Del.--$150,000 to provide sustainable business and economic development efforts that meet community needs and assist in enhancing the quality of life, wealth creation and employment opportunities that will serve as a catalyst for community revitalization.

   Prairie View A&M; University in Prairie View, Texas--$115,792 to focus on business start-up and expansion in 13 targeted rural counties. Funds will also be used to provide technology outreach services in the form of on-sight, on-hand internet/economic development seminars and to continue to provide entrepreneurship education to primarily Hispanic and African-American youth.

   Alcorn State Universityin Alcorn, Miss.--$149,608 for support and enhancement of the program "Strengthening Entrepreneurship and Small Business in Five Counties (Adams, Claiborne, Franklin, Jefferson and Wilkinson) of Southwest Mississippi."

   Langston University in Langston, Okla.--$149,600 for strengthening and growing rural enterprises in underserved communities; bringing to rural entrepreneurs information about programs and services available through USDA by conducting seminars, symposiums, workshops and community meetings. Funds will also assist and support business development and growth through counseling, business planning, grant writing and loan packaging preparation.

   Florida A&M; University in Tallahassee, Fla.--$100,000 to implement business and economic development outreach service to eight selected rural counties in North Florida who have the most economic need and to establish long-term and sustainable economic and business growth.

   South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, S.C.--$125,000 to provide business consulting in the area of marketing, customer service, human resource development, business management, accounting, bookkeeping, finance, and international trade. In addition, funds will be used to work with community youths to promote and encourage future entrepreneurship.

   Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development and critical community and technology infrastructure. Additional information about rural programs is available at the local USDA Rural Development office or on USDA's Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov