West Sacramento, Calif. — A $50,000 American Express grant will support economic development through Rural Community Assistance Corporation’s (RCAC) Building Rural Economies (BRE) training in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico and Grant County, Utah.
RCAC’s BRE team will provide workshops and leadership training to build leaders and entrepreneurs’ capacity. BRE helps members of low- to moderate-income communities launch or expand businesses and take on economic development projects that build their community’s existing assets.
The grant will allow RCAC to assist three nonprofit organizations to pursue their economic development goals. BRE staff will work with the Grand County Economic Development Department to design the most impactful strategy to diversify the county’s economic base beyond its dependence on tourism. Rio Arriba County Economic Development Department is partnering with RCAC to present BRE’s Recharge Our Community’s Economy workshop series. Participants are developing a plan to convert an old school campus into a job training and business incubator center. The Hoy Recovery Center in Espanola, New Mexico will work with BRE staff to deliver business training and technical assistance to clients while building the center’s capacity to incorporate BRE workshops into its programming.
“We are grateful for American Express’ support for our BRE program, which develops catalytic projects and a supportive, entrepreneurial environment for economic development to thrive,” said Suzanne Anarde, RCAC’s Chief Executive Officer.
About RCAC
Founded in 1978, RCAC provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals and visions. RCAC serves rural communities in 13 western states and western Pacific islands. Services are available to communities with populations of fewer than 50,000, other nonprofit groups, Tribal organizations, farmworkers, colonias and other specific populations. RCAC staff provides direct services in program areas including affordable housing, environmental services, economic development and lending. About RCAC
Media contact:
Julia Helmreich, director
Communications, Development & Events
(916) 447-9832 ext.
jhelmreich@rcac.org
