Overview
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), has hosted a series of regional economic development workshops on the “Path to Prosperity” in States and Territories across the country to provide small businesses (including farmers and ranchers) the resources and tools they need to grow their businesses.
The partnership and workshops align with the Biden-Harris Administration's Executive Order on “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government” and show the Department’s commitment to increase access to USDA’s products and services and improve service delivery in rural and underserved communities.
Little Rock, Arkansas – Recording
Fairmont, WV - Recording
Jackson, MS - Recording
Lexington, KY - Recording
Albany, GA - Recording
Bridgeville, Delaware – Recording
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Recording
Upcoming Workshops
Midwest Path to Prosperity in Maryville, MO – Wednesday, April 24, 2024: Zoom Registration
West Coast Path to Prosperity in Fresno, CA – Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Mid-Atlantic Path to Prosperity in Winston-Salem, NC – June (TBD)
Southwest Path to Prosperity in Salt Lake City, UT – August (TBD)
Ketchikan, AK – September (TBD)
Montgomery, AL – Late Oct./Early Nov. (TBD)
More on the Workshops
Through the “Path to Prosperity” regional economic development series; Federal, state, and local government agencies, along with private sector and non-profit partners, will provide small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs with resources and an opportunity to engage with experts and each other to learn best practices. The no-cost series features experts in how to start a business, how to access capital, and how to do business with the government. They will also include facilitated lender-small business matchmaking sessions. In order to meet participants where they are, the partnership will be conducting a pre-event assessment. Additional resources and experts will be provided based on any further needs.
Presenters will discuss:
- Incentivizing unbanked and under-banked small business owners and individuals to establish a sustainable relationship with an insured financial institution,
- Expanding technical assistance and financial education for small business owners and individuals to improve their bankability,
- Increasing the number of SBA certified lenders to provide access to capital for small, minority, and underserved businesses, and
- Developing contracting relationships with Federal government and private industry partners.
Targeted attendees include small businesses, financial institutions, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), trade groups, local, state, and Federal agencies, community leaders, nonprofits, and community-based staff representing organizations.