The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced 19 Rural Development Fund grant awards, which promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities across Michigan. 

“Rural communities across Michigan are navigating complex, fast-moving change with limited resources, but we’ve seen that targeted investments can unlock real results,” said Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin. “Programs like the Rural Development Fund are about more than individual projects, they are about strengthening the capacity of communities to plan, collaborate and lead with confidence. In partnership with MDARD and local leaders, we are making strategic investments that support infrastructure and industry today while helping communities build the foundation to grow and thrive in the long-term.” 

This announcement marks the first joint recommendations following Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2025-9, which transferred the Rural Development Fund Board from MDARD to LEO. The executive order also reinforces continued collaboration between the two departments to advance shared strategies that support rural prosperity across the state. 

"The food, forestry and agriculture industry is fundamental to the health and prosperity of communities and economies throughout Michigan," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "These Rural Development Fund grants are strategic investments in Michigan's land-based industries that will strengthen rural infrastructure and create new jobs across our state. We are proud to partner with LEO in improving quality of life for Michiganders." 

These Rural Development Fund grant awards total more than $1.6 million in support of 19 projects across Michigan. The recommended projects include investments in critical infrastructure, agricultural processing, and community development initiatives that strengthen local economies and improve the quality of life in rural communities. 

Here’s a complete list of grant recipients, totals and what the funding will be used for: 

• Barry Community Foundation (Hastings, MI), $84,087: Support rural economic development in Hastings through the Mill Street Market project by expanding access to childcare, strengthening local and regional food systems and creating new opportunities for small business and agricultural producers. 
• Black Pearl Estate LLC (Paradise, MI), $97,413: Support rural economic development in Paradise by activating an underutilized facility into a flexible community and business hub that expands market access for local producers, supports entrepreneurship and lays the foundation for long-term job creation and private investment. 
• Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESD (Indian River, MI), $69,544: Strengthen workforce development in northeast Michigan by expanding STEM career exploration and career and technical education opportunities that build a skilled talent pipeline aligned with regional land-based industry needs. 
• Forsyth Forward, (Gwinn, MI) $100,000.00: Enhance outdoor recreation and tourism in Forsyth Township by developing a regional non-motorized trail network that connects communities, improves quality of life and drives local economic activity. 
• Homestead Meats and Market, LLC. (Morenci, MI), $100,000: Construction of interior and exterior building renovations, including structural, flooring and electrical improvements to prepare the space for retail, processing and cafe operations. 
• I-69 Regional Development Corporation (Lapeer, MI), $65,000: Expand access to capital in Region 6 by strengthening technical assistance services that help land-based small businesses prepare competitive grant applications, navigate funding programs and launch or grow operations. 
• Kinross Charter Township (Kincheloe, MI), $56,000: Modernize critical community infrastructure in Chippewa County by replacing the unsafe fairgrounds grandstand and upgrading water, sewer and facility amenities to improve safety, expand event capacity and support regional tourism and agriculture. 
• Lake County (Baldwin, MI), $100,000: Boost tourism and local economic activity in Lake County by developing a coordinated marketing strategy and brand that attracts new visitors, supports small business and increases year-round visitation. 
• Little Roots Childcare (Petoskey, MI), $100,000: Expand access to childcare in northwest Michigan through the Little Roots Childcare Center project by renovating and equipping a new facility to provide high-quality early childhood services, support working families and help a large land-based industry employer attract and retain talent. 
• Owosso Public Schools (Owosso, MI), $100,000: Expand hands-on agricultural education opportunities in Shiawassee County by constructing a new livestock facility at Owosso High School to support CTE programming, strengthen career readiness and enhance local food system engagement. 
• Partners in Animal Health II, LLC (Portland, MI), $100,000: Expand access to veterinary services for cattle producers in mid-Michigan by constructing a new livestock handling facility to improve animal care, producer efficiency and agricultural productivity. 
• Pickford Utility Authority (Pickford, MI), $48,058: Maintain critical wastewater infrastructure in Pickford by replacing aging sewer equipment to ensure reliable service, protect public health and support community and economic stability. 
• Riveridge Produce Marketing (Sparta, MI), $100,000: Support agricultural production in Newaygo County by developing seasonal workforce housing to ensure reliable labor access, increase harvest capacity and strengthen regional farm operations. 
• Sam Beauford Woodshop (Adrian, MI), $100,000: Expand workforce training capacity in Lenawee County by equipping a new mass timber and woodworking campus with industry-grade equipment to support career pathways in Michigan's forest products and construction sectors. 
• Soo Locks Children's Museum (Sault Ste. Marie, MI), $92,830: Complete interior construction of the Soo Locks Children's Museum in Sault Ste. Marie by installing drywall, flooring, and essential building systems to enable occupancy, support year-round educational use and strengthen local tourism infrastructure. 
• The Cogswell Foley Group LLC (Mass City, MI), $100,000: Construct a multi-season campground by completing site grading, installing water, sewer and electrical infrastructure, developing campsites and RV hookups, and building essential facilities including restrooms, showers and a check-in area. 
• The Negaunee Holdings LLC (Negaunee, MI), $40,000: Complete building system upgrades including HVAC and fire suppression improvements to support the construction of a new cafe. 
• Townline Poultry Farm (Zeeland, MI), $100,000: Purchase and install new commercial-scale incubators to expand hatching capacity as a part of a broader hatchery expansion project. 
• Watersmeet Township (Watersmeet, MI), $100,000: Install modern residential water meters across all eligible connections, integrate them into the Township's water system and replace the existing unmetered system with accurate, digital metering infrastructure. 

For more information about the Rural Development Fund, click here.