Take it to the bank. A rural board meeting somewhere is grappling with the question of growth. These passionate discussions happen constantly in small towns. On one side are those who do not want their community to become a metropolis. On the other are those who want to see new infrastructure, services and economic opportunities. Every community changes. Look back 10 years … [Read more...]
Bridging the Gap: Connecting Rural Business Owners to Opportunity
A community-based organization called the Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC) is bridging resource gaps in rural communities to help small business owners access resources, grow and innovate. AHDC was founded 52 years ago to provide workforce development services to farm workers displaced by industrialization. Over the years, the organization has expanded into … [Read more...]
USDA seeks applications to advance economic development in rural America
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced today that it is accepting applications to advance economic development and create jobs for people in rural America. USDA is making this funding available under the Rural Business Development Grant program to support business opportunities or business enterprise projects in rural communities. … [Read more...]
Episode 49: Rural Business Conference Helping Small Business Owners Connect
Amidst the busy life of running a rural business, it’s often hard to find opportunities to network and connect with useful resources. Throughout the country, organizations are trying to help by putting on events that bring rural business professionals together through regional conferences. The Northwest Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference is a perfect … [Read more...]
New Business Model Helps Rural Vermont Town Preserve the Past
Locals rally around General Store, charting a new path for sustainable community development A place to send and receive mail. Somewhere to catch up with neighbors and pick up provisions. A lifeline during the pandemic. The Elmore Store serves many purposes, depending on who you ask, but for everyone in rural Elmore, Vt. (Population: 886), the country store is a symbol of … [Read more...]