The City of Murdo, South Dakota, is located at the crossroads of Interstate 90 and Highway 83 in the middle of the State. A town with a population of 500 in a county with one person per square mile; Murdo has several new businesses and recreational activities that keeps the town thriving.
An all-volunteer Murdo Development Corporation manages a local revolving loan fund started through a USDA Rural Development Rural Business and Enterprise Grant (RBEG). From creating jobs to helping to retain them at the local golf course to funding improvements to the local grocery store, Murdo Family Foods, the loan fund has assisted in the growth of the community.
Prior to the creation of the loan fund, the local grocery store faced probable closure. Once a buyer was found, the Development Corporation was able to assist with improvements to the business through revolved funds from the original grant.
President of the Corporation, Brian O’Reilly, states, “The city residents of Murdo have worked together to develop industry in the area; the revolving loan fund has been able to provide funds through six loans so far to strengthen the local economy.”
By capitalizing on their local resources and partnering with agencies like USDA Rural Development, the City of Murdo continues to work towards sustaining what they have and providing residents with a good quality of life.
USDA has a number of programs that could help create jobs and support businesses in your community. For information about the Intermediary Relending Program click here. To find out more about Rural Business Enterprise grants, click here. To learn about the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program click here.