WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced a total of $528,563 in new funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will expand development and training opportunities for small businesses in rural areas of Maine. The Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, and Sunrise County Economic Council will use this funding to provide business training, technical help, and loan assistance to small businesses in Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, and Washington counties.

“Small businesses are vital to our rural communities – it means something more when the shopkeeper or the vendor is your neighbor, friend or fellow PTA member – this funding will help dozens of small businesses throughout the state continue to operate and contribute to Maine’s economy,” said Senators Collins and King. “The incredible staff at the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, and Sunrise County Economic Council are a driving force in providing economic development, business financing, job creation, and many other services. This investment will pay off in the form of meaningful jobs and technical training, and it will improve the livelihoods of families across rural Maine.”

The funding will be allocated as follows:

• Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments will receive $12,884
• Eastern Maine Development Corporation will receive $500,000
• Sunrise County Economic Council will receive $15,679

The United States Department of Agriculture works to provide leadership on issues related to food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues. USDA consists of 29 agencies and offices and employs nearly 100,000 people.