Older downtown buildings in small towns are a good use for “smart home” technology. Small businesses struggling with vintage or outdated electrical systems can use smart outlets to control displays more easily. I thought of this when I was in a local retail store at closing time. The owner and a clerk were talking…
For many prospective business owners, finding the business idea is the most difficult task. Theses individuals may have the desire to “be their own boss” but do not know what business will be successful. Some individual have an area of interest but cannot see how it can be turned into a business. For example, an interest…
Small towns are so different, there is no one business will work in every small town. But there’s one business idea that almost every single small town I’ve visited needs: small spaces. Every rural town could use smaller spaces for locals to start tiny retail businesses. Not everyone can afford to rent an entire…
When you hold events downtown, the businesses that aren’t located downtown sometimes feel left out. There’s one bank not in downtown, that figured out a great way to participate in the First Thursday fun in downtown Colfax, Washington. They could have done what other groups are doing and set up a booth on the…
Editor’s Note: Welcome our newest contributor, Paula Jensen of Dakota Resources. She works directly with small towns and rural communities as a community coach. I love her positive approach to rural places. I look forward to sharing her thoughts with you regularly! –Becky By Paula Jensen I stood with a blue marker in my hand…
Want a strong local economy? Then it should come as no surprise that you need a continuous flow of new businesses. That message is one that we hear often and loudly in both rural and urban areas. New businesses help grow the economy. They also employee workers, spend money, borrow money, and are often active…
Awards are a great way to recognize your small businesses in small towns. Unfortunately, most business awards encourage the people who need the least encouragement: those who are long-term successes. Sure your long-time businesses deserve some recognition. It also helps inspire others to see the successes. Keep doing that. Just don’t let that be…
My mother has recently moved to an assisted living center. For me, this has meant some changes in my help. For one thing, I am more active in getting her medicines. Recently I commented that I suspect her pharmacy will not be in business in the near future. She asked why I say that since…
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