The ECCR Group Inc. in Monroe County was awarded an investment of $100,000 through the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program to help fund a technical assistance program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced.

The ECCR Group Inc. is a social enterprise organization committed to ensuring rural, minority and underserved communities hit hard by changing economic and environmental trends have the resources and support they need to create a new future and high-quality, sustainable jobs. Its mission is to provide the communities’ small and micro businesses with the skills, knowledge and training that will help them start and grow their businesses.

In total, the USDA is investing $329,764 to help create new and better market opportunities and expand essential services for rural people, businesses and entrepreneurs in rural Pennsylvania.