The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG). The RBOG program promotes sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs by providing training and technical assistance for business development, entrepreneurs, and economic development officials and to assist with economic development planning. Approximately $2.6 million is available on a competitive basis nationwide to projects that improve the economic conditions in rural areas. The deadline to submit electronic applications is June 24, 2013 and paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than June 28, 2013. Click here (http://www NULL.gpo NULL.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-05-14/html/2013-11451 NULL.htm) to view the Federal Register announcement. Click here (http://www07 NULL.grants NULL.gov/search/search NULL.do;jsessionid=tgyZRc6W1M3z0qgd5KPZbbYP3J8LMtMFqgnFwZbNK1vP4yhh16nW!376833349?oppId=235219&mode=VIEW) to view the grant synopsis and application.