USDA Rural Development Invests in Program at William Patterson University to Help Rural New Jersey Small Businesses Grow and Expand

Project is Anticipated to Impact 46 Jobs and Assist Over 30 Businesses

(Columbus, N.J., March 30, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's New Jersey State Director Rick Stern today announced an investment that will help small and emerging businesses in rural New Jersey access the tools and support they need to formalize, grow and sustain their operations.

Willliam Patterson University of New Jersey is receiving a Rural Business Development Grant of $128,000 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 William Paterson University 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.

About USDA Rural Development

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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.

Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov, subscribe to GovDelivery updates, and follow us on X at @RD_NewJersey.

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