Grant to Help Rural NJ Small Businesses Grow and Expand

On Apr 2, 2026

William Paterson University (WPU) is receiving a Rural Business Development Grant of $128,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development to support the delivery of technical assistance, business training, access to capital, and digital transformation resources for rural entrepreneurs.

This 12-month hybrid learning program will be implemented by the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at WPU in coordination with local economic development agencies and federal partners, including USDA Rural Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Rural small businesses are the backbone of our local economies”, said Stern. “This program ensures that rural entrepreneurs have access to the training, technology and financial resources they need not only to compete, but to thrive.”

The project is expected to create or save up to 46 jobs while assisting participating rural businesses strengthen their operations, pursue new growth opportunities, and secure funding to expand.

This investment is part of USDA’s ongoing commitment to ensure rural communities have the tools and resources necessary to build resilient and sustainable local economies.

USDA Rural Development is committed to improving the economy and quality of life in rural America. Through loan, grant and loan guarantee programs, USDA assists communities with infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access.

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