Living next to a terrific birding site, the Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, I’ve seen an increase in the number of birders traveling the area. Jack Schultz has noticed it, too, and written up a few resources around Nebraska’s bird industry and the Chicken Dance Trail. What kind of small town businesses can cater…
The book: Start and Run a Rural Computer Consulting Business by John D. Deans, on the Self-Counsel Press.Short and Sweet Review: It’s a great book. Who should read it: Anyone who wants to run a rural computer consulting business. Aaron Morris with the Self-Counsel Press sent it to me back in November. (right before a…
Rural demographics are changing. Does this affect your business? First, Rex Hammock found the term ‘ruralpolitan’ novel. Apparently, a ruralpolitan is someone with an above average annual household income who lives on 3 or more acres. Second, USDA’s Amber Waves profiles changing demographics caused by more retirees and immigrants moving into rural areas. Key points:…
Found in the E+Action Newsletter: A recent report by the Center for the Study of Education Policy at Illinois State University concentrates on why students are leaving Illinois, where the students are moving, and what strategies can be employed to retain more students. The report offers a number of recommendations to keep students within the…
Big news out of the UK: rural areas are starting up more businesses and outpacing urban areas. Four different news sources picked up this story on the report from Barclays Local Business. What led to this boom in rural business? From the London Stock Exchange: “Amongst the fastest growing start-up locations, more than half are…
Take this idea from Scotland. After a year of studying what businesses in their area actually need, this mentoring project was designed and launched. Mentors from the local business community will be recruited to help support people who are thinking of setting up in business in the area. Enterprise visits will also be co-ordinated to…
It takes a comprehensive approach – don’t work alone! From Lancaster Farming. A new, place-based approach to rural policy is needed, according to “Strengthening Rural Pennsylvania: An Integrated Approach to a Prosperous Commonwealth,” by the Brookings Institution in collaboration with Penn State, the Pennsylvania Economy League, and the Campaign to Renew Pennsylvania. “We have never…
Lots of small town small businesses are food related. Think farms, wineries, farmers’ markets, roadside stands, local restaurants, and all those homemade salsas, pickles, and barbecue sauces. Together, these businesses can promote themselves as an entire region of delicious experiences. Our Friend Jack Schultz found a local food guide and an artisan bread festival. You…
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