Rural County Grant Program

Rural County Grant Program is sponsored by San Juan County (administered by Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity). The San Juan County Rural County Grant Program supports the growth and diversification of the local economy through direct investment in businesses and organizations.

SJC Rural County Grant | San Juan County UT San Juan County Rural County Grant Program (RCGP) Instructions 2027 Applications will be open in September 01, 2026 - November 30, 2026 The San Juan County Rural County Grant Program (RCGP) supports the growth and diversification of the local economy through direct investment in businesses and organizations.

Funding is provided through the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) and administered by San Juan County. The program is designed to strengthen economic opportunity, job creation, and community vitality across San Juan County by supporting projects that: Recruit, develop, or expand local businesses. Provide workforce training and development opportunities.

Improve infrastructure and facilities that directly support business growth.

Grant Application Schedule Application Opens: Tuesday, September 01, 2026, at 8:00 AM MST Application Closes: Monday, November 4, 2026, at 11:55 MST Award Notifications Issued: February 2026 Awardees Announced: March 12, 2027, during the San Juan County Business Basecamp Expo & Conference Applications must be submitted online through the San Juan County Economic Development Form.

Each business or nonprofit may apply for only one project under this grant cycle. If an applicant encounters an error during submission or needs to update information, they may resubmit their application using the same link. The most recently dated submission will be considered the official version for review.

Please note that the Economic Development Department cannot make corrections or edits to individual applications once they have been submitted; applicants are responsible for reviewing all information carefully prior to final submission.

Applicants must be located in San Juan County and classified as: Questions and Contact Information For questions or assistance with the application process, contact the San Juan County Economic Development Office during business hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST). Email: thansen@sanjuancountyut. gov Join San Juan County Economic Development for a 2027 Rural County Grant Overview Session.

We will review application requirements, funding tiers, match expectations, and key updates for this funding cycle, and answer questions to help you prepare a complete and competitive application.

Grant Review Session Dates Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Thursday, September 11, 2026 Monticello - 8:00 AM - 9:20 AM Location: Monticello Coworking Space Blanding - 8:00 AM - 9:20 AM Location: Blanding Public Library White Mesa - 9:00 AM - 10:20 AM Location: White Mesa Education Center La Sal - 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM Bluff - 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Location: Bluff Community Center Oljato-Monument Valley 12:00 PM - 1:50 PM Location: Tsé Bii' Ndzisgaii Community Center Monument Valley, UT 84536 Spanish Valley 2:00 PM - 3:20 PM Montezuma Creek - 12:30 PM -2:00 PM Location: Navajo Utah Commission Montezuma Creek, UT 84534 Applicants are encouraged to utilize free technical assistance resources to strengthen their applications and prepare required documentation.

San Juan County partners with the following organizations to provide grant readiness and business support services: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) – Financial planning, budgeting support, and infrastructure guidance Weber State University Wildcat MicroFund / Technical Assistance – Business planning, financial projections, and grant preparation support Utah Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Business coaching, financial review, and operational planning These sessions are designed to help business owners and nonprofit staff: Receive one-on-one guidance on draft applications.

Review eligibility materials before submitting. The County uses a tiered funding structure to align grant opportunities with the size, stage of development, and economic impact potential of local businesses. This approach ensures resources are invested strategically and proportionally.

Each funding tier is evaluated independently using a tier-specific scoring system to ensure fairness among applicants at different business stages. Applicants should select the tier that best matches the scale, readiness, and impact of their project. Projects will only compete within their selected tier.

Both cash and in-kind matches are accepted. In-kind contributions may include donated materials, volunteer labor, or the use of existing equipment or space, provided a clear and reasonable value is documented. Tier 1: Seed Money, Equipment, and Small Project Grants Grant Range: Up to $10,000 | Match Requirement: 10% Tier 1 is designed for startups and small enterprises launching or growing early-stage projects.

These funds help purchase essential equipment, materials, or marketing tools, or complete smaller-scale facility improvements that build long-term capacity. Tier 2: Business Expansion or Revitalization Grants Grant Range: $10,000 – $25,000 | Match Requirement: 20% Tier 2 assists small- to mid-sized businesses seeking to expand, renovate, or improve operations.

These projects often enhance Main Street visibility, revitalize existing commercial properties, or expand services that strengthen the local economy. Tier 3: Large Business Growth Grants Grant Range: $26,000 – $60,000 | Match Requirement: 20% Tier 3 supports major business expansions, facility construction or upgrades, and projects that create new jobs or bring substantial economic return to the county.

Grant Range: Up to $10,000 | Match Requirement: 10% Tier 4 is designed exclusively for nonprofit organizations implementing projects, services, or facility improvements that support economic development, workforce participation, and community capacity in San Juan County. Projects may focus on business support, workforce development, or community-based services that help individuals enter, re-enter, or advance in the workforce.

Complete Applications must include the following documentation: W-9 (completed and signed) – must match IRS records exactly Valid Business License (San Juan County, a local municipality, or Navajo Nation) Vendor quotes or cost estimates based of document research for project purchases For nonprofits: IRS Determination Letter Tier 3 applicants must submit a Profit & Loss Statement (prior and current year) or Statement of Activities (for nonprofits) Proof of Match — either cash or in-kind Cash examples: bank statements, investor letters, other grant awards In-kind examples: donated materials, volunteer labor, or equipment use Optional (extra scoring points): Profit and Loss Summary, Balance Sheet, or Statement of Activities (for nonprofits) Letter(s) of Support from partners, beneficiaries, or community members Both cash and in-kind matches are accepted.

In-kind contributions may include donated materials, volunteer labor, or the use of existing equipment or space, provided a clear and reasonable value is documented. Ineligible Projects or Expenses Funding will not be awarded for: Projects outside San Juan County Routine operational costs (payroll, utilities, rent, etc.) Reimbursement for an already completed project.

Projects lacking measurable ROI (such as job creation, tax growth, or business expansion) are generally ineligible. Exception: Tier 1 (Seed Money) projects may not yet demonstrate measurable ROI, but will receive additional scoring points if they can show reasonable potential for job creation, business growth, or community impact.

Applicants delinquent on taxes or without valid licenses Applicants with an active or unfinished San Juan County Rural County Grant project are not eligible to apply until all project work and reporting have been completed and approved. Applicants who have received two prior Rural County Grant awards may not apply for additional funding.

Standalone exterior improvements such as fencing, concrete pads, or parking lot paving that are not directly tied to building functionality are not eligible expenses.

Examples of Eligible Projects Construction or renovation of commercial buildings Equipment or machinery purchases Agricultural value-added production (processing, packaging, new market entry) Workforce development or skill-based training programs Projects introducing new industries or services to San Juan County Tier 1 (Small Project Focus): Seed funding for startups Equipment or tool purchases Raw materials or supply acquisition Website or online sales setup Printed marketing or signage Exterior beautification and landscaping Minor facility improvements Eligible uses of funds may include: Workforce training, certification programs, and job readiness initiatives Internship, apprenticeship, or career pathway programs Youth workforce preparation and leadership development (must be tied to career exposure or skill-building) Business and entrepreneurship support services, including coworking spaces or shared-use facilities Programs that support workforce retention, such as mental health services for employees or employers Re-entry or barrier-reduction programs that help individuals return to the workforce Equipment, materials, technology, or marketing that directly support the activities above Minor facility improvements necessary to deliver services or expand capacity Projects should demonstrate a clear connection to at least one of the following: Business development and entrepreneurship Workforce entry, retention, or advancement Community systems that support long-term economic participation All proposals must show how the project contributes to economic opportunity, workforce engagement, or business growth within San Juan County.

All grant recipients are required to provide ongoing updates on project progress and financial accountability. Reports ensure transparency and help measure the impact of projects through job creation, infrastructure improvements, or business expansion.

Mid-Year Report: Required (template provided) Final Report: Submitted upon completion or within 12 months of fund distribution, whichever comes first Presentation: Final reports must be presented to the Community & Economic Development (CED) Board at a scheduled meeting Documentation: Include project photos, invoices, and receipts related to approved expenses Reports are submitted online and automatically go to Talia Hansen, Economic Development Manager, at thansen@sanjuancountyut.

gov . These resources will be available on Monday, September 01, 2026 2027 RCGP Application (Paper Version) – Use this document to review all questions before submitting online. ( Note: Only online submissions will be accepted.

) Budget Template (Excel) – Required for all applicants. Download , complete, and upload the official Excel template with your online application. W-9 Form – Required IRS form for award processing.

Must be completed and signed if selected for funding. Eligibility & Disqualification Checklist – Outlines minimum qualification standards and helps applicants understand baseline eligibility requirements. Evaluation & Scoring Criteria – Details how applications are reviewed and scored, including tier alignment and economic or community impact.

RCGP Quick Reference Checklist (32 KB) 2027 San Juan County Business Basecamp Conference and Expo Awardees and Reporting Links (RCGP) Monticello Coworking Space San Juan County Business Questionnaire Vendor Network & Opportunities Economic Development Department View Full Contact Details Forms, Permits and Applications