The American Rescue Plan set aside $7.5 Billion in relief funds for rural healthcare providers. Even as the money was made available, however, many towns across the U.S. were rejecting this and other Federal Relief Funds, "because they couldn’t think of a way to spend it." Others knew how they wanted to spend it, but had to give it back because they didn't have the resources … [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...]
Episode 44: Housing Development Alliance
Scott McReynolds is the executive director of the Housing Development Alliance (HDA) in Hazard, Ky. The HDA’s programs have helped more than 2,900 low-income people in rural southeastern Kentucky become new homeowners, make home-improving repairs, and break free of debt. The organization builds homes, provides housing counseling to prepare people for homeownership, offers … [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...]