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Caring is a small town business advantage

By Small Biz Survival

A woman smiling at the camera while standing in front of a clothing rack

By Stephanie Ward, Firefly Coaching Caring isn’t something you can do if you’re only using it as a tactic. You can’t fake caring, either you do or you don’t. The good news is that we all have the capacity to care. It’s a state of being that you can tap into, just like gratitude. We […]

October 2, 2025 Filed Under: customer service, entrepreneurship, rural Tagged With: customer service, entrepreneurship, guest post

Hands-on and experience-based businesses boost local economies

By Small Biz Survival

In a colorful room, a woman is offering instructions to two men seated at a craft table, preparing to pour their own candles.

Guest post by Jason Duff, founder of Small Nation Ever wanted to pour your own candle? Now you can right here in Downtown Bellefontaine! Triple Moon Designs in Bellefontaine, Ohio, recently added a new and exciting candle bar, offering a unique experience not typically seen in small towns. My team has had the chance to try it out […]

March 17, 2025 Filed Under: economic development, entrepreneurship, ideas, rural, trends Tagged With: economic development, entrepreneurship, experience, experience economy, guest post, rural, shop indie local, shop small, small business, small towns

Young Americans Returning to Rural for More than Just Holiday Dinners

By Small Biz Survival

A group of diverse young people in a casual bar setting. One is holding a mic and speaking as others listen.

by Caroline Tremblay, The Daily Yonder August 5, 2024 Kansas: Elevate the work of younger people In rural Kansas, if you’re between the ages of 21 and 39ish, you might be considered a PowerUp —  but not just because of your age or location. A PowerUp is someone who is rural by choice. “The name […]

August 7, 2024 Filed Under: community, rural, trends, youth Tagged With: community development, guest post, rural, youth

Rural marketing tip: the name is the claim

By Small Biz Survival

The front of a restaurant features a neon style sign that says "Hobo's House of Burgers and Booze."

Guest post and photo by Debbie Saviano   NO GUESSWORK Here! You know exactly what you’re getting! Great burgers and a relaxed boozy atmosphere. Small town businesses have a way of getting to the point. The name is the claim. About the author Debbie Saviano helps people learn how to use LinkedIn, online courses and social […]

May 22, 2024 Filed Under: entrepreneurship, marketing, rural Tagged With: marketing, restaurant, rural, signage

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Wide view of a prairie landscape with a walk-through gate in a fence

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