Jun 18 2003

Graham Announces $185,000 Rural Development Grant to Aid Minority Owned Businesses

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) a $185,000 Rural Business Enterprise grant to assist minority owned businesses. The funds will be used to provide technical assistance to approximately 10 new small to medium minority-owned manufacturing companies. The grant service area includes 30 under-developed counties in South Carolina, identified by the South Carolina Department of Commerce. “This is a great investment in South Carolina’s economy,” said Graham. “This money will help establish new businesses, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in regions of the state that may otherwise receive little attention. By supporting these businesses from the ground up, they will have a greater chance at success.” Graham also noted that this project calls on the SCMEP to offer continued support to the businesses assisted by this initial grant.