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				 USDA is offering priority points to projects 
				that advance key priorities under the Biden-Harris 
				Administration to create new and better market opportunities, 
				advance equity, and combat climate change. These extra points 
				will increase the likelihood of funding for projects that will 
				advance these key priorities in rural places. 
				 
				The funding is being made available under the Intermediary 
				Relending Program. The program provides low-interest loans to 
				local lenders or “intermediaries” that re-lend the funds to 
				businesses to improve economic conditions and create new 
				opportunities in rural communities. Eligible intermediary 
				lenders include nonprofit corporations, cooperatives, federally 
				recognized tribes and public agencies. 
				 
				Loans from an intermediary to an ultimate recipient business may 
				be used to: 
				
					- 
					
acquire, build, 
					convert, expand or repair a business or business facility.  
					- 
					
purchase or develop 
					land.  
					- 
					
purchase equipment, 
					machinery or supplies, or make leasehold improvements.  
					- 
					
support start-up 
					costs and working capital.  
					- 
					
control and abate 
					pollution. 
					support transportation services.  
				 
				Applications are accepted on quarterly basis 
				and must be submitted to the applicant’s local Rural Development 
				Office no later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) by the following 
				dates: 
					- 
					
First Quarter: 
					Sept. 30, 2022.  
					- 
					
Second Quarter: 
					Dec. 31, 2022.  
					- 
					
Third Quarter: 
					March 31, 2023.  
					- 
					
Fourth Quarter: 
					June 30, 2023.  
				 
				Eligible applications that are not funded in 
				the quarter received will automatically compete for funding in 
				up to three additional quarters. 
				 
				For additional information, see page 53452 of the August 31, 
				2022, Federal Register. 
				 
				If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates in 
				Illinois, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page. 
			[Matthew Harris, USDA Business 
			Programs Specialist] 
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