The San Juan County Rural County Grant Program (RCGP) is offered by San Juan County, Utah, to address economic development needs within the county. The program is designed to support business recruitment, development, and expansion, workforce training, and infrastructure improvements that contribute to economic growth. It aims to enhance local businesses’ capacity to succeed and thrive, ultimately fostering broader community economic development.

The application process for the 2025 cycle opens on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM MST and closes on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM MST. Awardees will be notified in April, with the official award announcements occurring at the San Juan County Business Basecamp Expo & Conference on April 28, 2025. Applications must be submitted online via the San Juan County Economic Development portal, and each entity is limited to one application.

Eligible applicants must be located in San Juan County and can include for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations. Businesses applying for funding must provide required documents such as a current W-9, a valid business license, and proof of matching funds. Matching requirements vary by funding tier, with Tier 1 and Tier 2 requiring a 20% match and Tier 3 requiring a 10% match. Matching funds may be in cash or in-kind contributions, including donated labor, materials, or discounted services.

Three funding tiers are available based on business size, project scope, and economic impact potential. Tier 1 grants range from $26,000 to $60,000, supporting larger businesses with high growth potential. Tier 2 grants range from $11,000 to $25,000, targeting small and mid-sized businesses focused on expansion or revitalization. Tier 3 grants, ranging from $250 to $10,000, focus on startups and smaller businesses needing seed money, equipment purchases, or small-scale projects.

Eligible projects include new construction, equipment purchases, value-added agriculture initiatives, workforce training programs, and projects that support community revitalization. Certain expenses are ineligible, such as short-term payroll and utility costs that do not contribute to long-term business growth. Additional evaluation points are available for applicants providing profit and loss statements, letters of support, or multiple vendor quotes for project costs.

Workshops to assist applicants will be held on February 12, 19, 20, and March 1 at various locations throughout the county. Award recipients must meet ongoing reporting requirements, including quarterly progress reports, project documentation, and a final presentation to the San Juan County CED Board within 12 months of funding. Reporting expectations emphasize demonstrating job creation, development milestones, and overall business progress. For assistance, applicants can contact Talia Hansen, Economic Development Manager, at (435) 587-3235 ext. 4138 or via email at thansen@sanjuancountyut.gov.