PAOLA — The Miami County Economic Development Department has received a $35,000 rural business enterprise grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA said the grant will be used for a series of mini-grants for businesses to provide hands-on, personal assistance to emerging rural businesses to improve their business retention and growth. The mini-grants will emphasize professional and leadership training for business owners. Businesses can qualify for up to $1,500 but must add a match of 25 percent. Miami County economic development director Janet McRae said she will review the first set of mini-grant applicants beginning next week. In addition, the grant includes $3,000 for audio-visual technology for a mobile classroom to be shared with the county’s chambers of commerce. For more information, call (913) 294-4045.
Tuesday, July 6, 3 p.m.
