The U.S. Small Business Administration, the Office of Rural Affairs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have partnered to launch the Rural Ascent Agricultural Training Program, targeting women-owned small businesses in farming, ranching or value-added processing of agricultural products, according to a news release. The 12-week virtual program will provide resources needed to set and achieve growth in both revenue and job creation, according to the release. Participants will join other rural entrepreneurs from across the U.S. on an interactive virtual platform. Applications are open and due by Jan. 15. To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Be a woman-owned small business located in a rural area.
• Be a startup or have been in business less than five years.
• Have average revenues of less than $50,000.