AUGUSTA, Maine — The federal government will open eight rural development loan and grant funds to businesses in more towns in the Portland area that previously did not qualify.
Virginia Manuel, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program in Maine, announced Wednesday that businesses located anywhere in Freeport, Yarmouth, Cumberland, Windham, Gorham, Saco, Old Orchard Beach and Biddeford can now apply for a range of loan and grant programs.
The USDA also added portions of Falmouth, Westbrook, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth to the eligible communities.
The change allows businesses in those newly eligible areas to apply for grants or loans to prevent closures or add jobs, make energy-efficiency investments, support production of value-added agricultural products, boost adult education, help small entrepreneurs and fund biorefinery projects.
More information about applying for specific rural development programs is available at the state program’s website, rurdev.usda.gov/me.