If you can sew, there is demand for alterations. As hand crafts of all sorts make a come-back, this is one opportunity you might not have thought of. My local sew-er just told me she is swamped with business, always. People bring all sorts of clothing needing a hem, or sleeves shortened, or holes patched,…
Looking to grow your own local entrepreneurs? See if you can take some inspiration from these entrepreneur contests. First, Lewiston-Auburn, Maine, with Launch L-A. They are targeting young entrepreneurs with a prior connection to their county, but currently living elsewhere. Does your idea have wings? If you’re a young entrepreneur just itching to launch your…
USDA Rural Development Director for Iowa Bill Menner explains how Rural Development relates to small business. New to SmallBizSurvival.com? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Get our updates.
There is a progression of engagement between you and your customers. The further you progress, the more valuable you are to your customers and the more you are able to charge. At the bottom level, you offer a commodity, like fresh milk. Milk is available all over, and most people buy it where ever it is convenient. Up…
Victor Vasquez, USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Rural Development, made the keynote presentation at the Midwest Rural Assembly. He started with the story of a road trip with a big city friend. As they reached a particularly empty stretch of land, the friend asked, should we turn back? Turn back? Victor asked, why would we turn…
You know more and more people are using their phone to access the web, and you know that you need to make a mobile friendly site, especially for tourism. But wait, new advice is coming out: can you skip doing a mobile site? “Not that smart” phoneslike mine will be aroundfor several years more At…
Dave Holm, executive director, Iowa Institute for Cooperatives led a round table discussion at the Midwest Rural Assembly. Since 2012 is the International Year of the Cooperative, this is an opportune time to share that discussion. The Farmers’ CooperativeAmes, Oklahoma A cooperative is no different than any other business in this respect: you have to follow the same business…
During the recent Midwest Rural Assembly, Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns stopped in South Sioux City for a community coffee. Since it happened to be in the same building we were in, I stopped in to listen, too. Here are my live notes from the senator’s presentation and the question and answer period. This is not intended to be a political…
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