USDA funding can help your region strengthen its profile for biofuel and biomanufacturing development.

Through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG), communities and economic development organizations can access funding to help offset the cost of a BDO Zone Rating.

A BDO Zone Rating is an independent, internationally recognized assessment that evaluates a region’s biomass supply, logistics, and infrastructure to determine its suitability for new biofuel and biomanufacturing facilities. Often described as a credit rating for biomass development potential, it provides a trusted signal that helps communities stand out to developers and investors.

BDO Zone Ratings have already supported over $10 billion in capital for projects in rated regions. Notably, the $2.8 billion USA BioEnergy biofuels facility in Bon Wier, Texas demonstrates how an investment-grade rating can help attract major investment.

NADO members have successfully utilized this USDA funding stream in the past, including the Region 9 Economic Development District (Southwest Colorado) and Southeast Conference (AK). Learn more about their BDO Zone Ratings here: [Southwest Colorado BDO Zone] | [Prince of Wales Island, AK BDO Zone].

Communities and economic development organizations interested in exploring eligibility or learning how a BDO Zone Rating could support local economic development are encouraged to contact Ryan Magwood at [email protected].

Learn more at www.bdozone.org.