The U.S. Department of Agriculture is kicking off an effort this month to improve access to billions of dollars of federal funds for rural economic and community development. By the end of May, the Rural Partners Network will station federal field staff in over 25 rural communities to help local leaders secure federal funding for businesses, high-speed internet, clean … [Read more...]
Housing Development Alliance: Building a Home for the Future of East Kentucky
Homeownership can help break the cycle of poverty, but for many families, it’s just out of reach. In Perry County, Kentucky, where the poverty rate is near twice the national average, a nonprofit called the Housing Development Alliance has set out to close the gap. “We know people all the time succeed in life without affordable housing, but it’s a lot easier to get a job, … [Read more...]
Big Start Business: How to Attract an Audience From Anywhere
As most entrepreneurs know, starting a business isn’t all that glamorous. The reality is much scrappier — and it often starts with “ugly” reasons, according to serial entrepreneur Meredith Gernigin. Gernigin developed commercial properties in small towns, started and operated three ecommerce businesses, and crowdfunded a small town coffee shop — which she operated for … [Read more...]
Two-Day Entrepreneurship Summit Fosters Rural Innovation
A part-time physical therapist, a plant-based cheese company and an outdoor education program for children may not have much in common on the surface — but all three businesses have benefited from a growing ecosystem of entrepreneurship in rural New Hampshire. The Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship has supported entrepreneurs like these in their efforts to build … [Read more...]
This Veteran-Owned Farming Startup Is Building a Food Oasis in Kansas
Rock band Jethro Tull and the Covid pandemic planted the seeds for a budding micro farm in Pittsburg, Kansas (population: 20,646) that is meeting a longstanding need for healthy food access. Leafy Green Farms was founded by Brad Fourby, a Navy veteran and California transplant drawn to opportunity in the Kansas plains. But in a state where the average farm is 781 … [Read more...]