OneGeorgia Equity and Rural Innovation Application Deadline

The OneGeorgia Authority hereby notifies interested applicants of the availability of funds in the Equity and Rural Innovation Programs in the form of grants, loans and any other forms of assistance authorized by (O.C.G.A. 50-34-1 et seq). The Equity Fund is designed as a flexible community and economic development tool which provides funding for projects relating to public water and sewer infrastructure; road, rail and airport improvements; capacity building for industrial/business sites; workforce and tourism. The Rural Innovation Fund is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants when the health, welfare, safety, and economic security of the citizens of the state are promoted through the development or retention of economic and employment opportunities.

In general, OneGeorgia Equity seeks to fund projects which increase capacity and enhance the competiveness of rural Georgia.  However, the Equity Fund should not be used for projects when other state or federal programs could be used or when local funds would be sufficient to accomplish community and economic development goals.

In general, OneGeorgia Rural Innovation seeks to fund projects that are innovative in nature or assist existing/new companies locating in rural Georgia that are not eligible for other state or federal grant/loan programs. The Rural Innovation Fund should not be used for projects when other state or federal programs could be used or when local funds would be sufficient to accomplish community and economic development goals. 

Due to the specialized nature of the program and the limited resources available, we encourage potential applicants to contact their local Community Services Regional Representative to discuss any projects.

The application procedure for the Equity and Rural Innovation Programs includes an Initial Project Assessment / Pre-application phase and an Application phase. The purpose of the Initial Project Assessment is to provide: A) a determination of a proposed activity or activities eligibility for Equity/Rural Innovation Funds financing; B) a determination on whether the proposed activity or activities and broader project can meet the basic Equity/Rural Innovation Programs thresholds; and C) an opportunity to obtain Pre-Agreement Cost Approval (PACA) from the Authority so that projects may obtain interim financing and proceed with certain identified project activities prior to receipt of an actual Grant or Loan Agreement.

Eligible applicants may submit Initial Project Assessments and/or Applications for consideration at any time. The OneGeorgia Authority strongly encourages potential applicants to contact the Authority or DCA to arrange an Initial Project Assessment review prior to submitting an application.  Pre-application is strongly encouraged. Applications under the OneGeorgia Authority Equity and Rural Innovation Fund will be accepted beginning immediately. Online Applications must submitted to DCA by 5:00 PM on the 2nd Friday of January, April, July and October of each year. No applications will be accepted after the specified date and time.

For more information, please email gina.webb@dca.ga.gov.