The USDA officially awarded nearly 100-thousand dollars worth of grant money to Watonwan County today.As News 12's Bryan Piatt reports the money from the American Recovery and Re-Investment Act will be a big help to small business that operate in rural areas.The theme of today's gathering... strengthening rural America.Colleen Landkamer says, "We need to commit to rural communities so that their business can grow and prosper. This is all about growing your own."To do just that, Landkamer officially handed over nearly 100-thousand dollars of grant money today.That's being combined with a six thousand dollar contribution from Watonwan County that will help small businesses do a variety of things.Colleen Landkamer says, "Strategic planning for businesses. It could help with site development. It could be for buying land. It can be to help somebody think about how do they start a small business and also to add employees."Adding employees and keeping them around is key according to Watonwan County Commissioner Chair Scott Sanders.He says those operating small businesses deserve the money heading their way.Scott Sanders says, "These are hard working people and they deserve a chance at advancing themselves and the communities they live in."Bryan Piatt says, "Those on hand here today in St. James are calling this grant to Watonwan County a gift that keeps on giving. The grant is what's called a revolving loan fund."Colleen Landkamer says, "We're giving the money to the economic development authority. They will then loan it out. As it gets paid back they'll continue to loan it out. As I say, it's a gift that keeps on giving."And a gift that is finally reaching beyond city limits.Scott Sanders says, "For the first time really we got to have a revolving door fund for people not in the city limits of St. James, Madelia and larger cities. We got to encompass the whole county."A county now excited about putting the money to use.In St. James, Bryan Piatt News 12.