The U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development will present  a panel on rural small business lending and technical assistance on Wednesday, Aug. 8, in Pierre. 

The audience will learn about assistance and loans offered by the SBA, USDA Rural Development, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, U.S. Economic Development Administration, Governor’s Office Economic Development and representatives of banking associations that can assist entrepreneurs start or grow a business. The session will also provide valuable information for lenders wanting to assist rural entrepreneurs. 

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the USDA facility at 1717 N. Lincoln. Ave. in Pierre. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with opening remarks at 9 a.m.  Sen. Mike Rounds' Office will also provide remarks. The Rural Lending Roundtable Panel will be held at 9:55 to 11 a.m., followed by a resource partner mingle. 

Entrepreneurs, agricultural-based businesses, businesses in rural areas, lenders and other organizations interested in learning about programs and services to assist rural businesses are encouraged to attend. Space is limited so pre-register to attend by emailing Jennifer Kelly.