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Small Biz Survival

The small town and rural business resource
  • A group of diverse young people in a casual bar setting. One is holding a mic and speaking as others listen.
    community | rural | trends | youth

    Young Americans Returning to Rural for More than Just Holiday Dinners

    BySmall Biz Survival August 7, 2024

    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…

    Read More Young Americans Returning to Rural for More than Just Holiday DinnersContinue

  • A group seated around a table in a meeting room
    community | rural

    Unlocking Community Potential: The Catalyst Approach for Change

    ByPaula Jensen June 5, 2024

    Who do we envision ourselves becoming? The big framing question, “Who do we envision ourselves becoming?” was written in wide black marker on a large flip chart and placed at the front of the room for easy viewing. I introduced the question and gave some context. The ten local leaders stared blankly at it. The…

    Read More Unlocking Community Potential: The Catalyst Approach for ChangeContinue

  • Survey of Rural Challenges
    announcement | rural | Survey of Rural Challenges

    2024 Survey of Rural Challenges Is Open!

    ByDeb Brown March 14, 2024

    These 10 questions will provide information to many organizations and people on what is challenging for rural communities. Are you rural? This survey is for you. SmallBizSurvival.com and SaveYour.Town are conducting the 10th-anniversary edition of the Survey of Rural Challenges! Take the Survey of Rural Challenges. Spread the word Could you help us spread the word on…

    Read More 2024 Survey of Rural Challenges Is Open!Continue

  • A group of skiers in colorful outfits on snowy slopes. Banners in Japanese script are in the foreground.
    entrepreneurship | global | management | POV | rural | tourism | workforce

    Surviving the Peaks and Valleys of Seasonal Small Business in a Rural Ski Town

    BySmall Biz Survival November 17, 2023November 19, 2023

    Part of our Global Entrepreneurship Week celebration Nov 13-19, 2023. Guest post by Mike Humphrey, Japan Skiing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I don’t know why my parents decided skiing would be our family sport. They were not avid skiers, and we didn’t live in a ski…

    Read More Surviving the Peaks and Valleys of Seasonal Small Business in a Rural Ski TownContinue

  • empty lot pop up
    economic development | entrepreneurship | rural | success

    Pop Up in An Empty Lot

    ByDeb Brown November 15, 2023November 9, 2023

    Part of our Global Entrepreneurship Week celebration Nov 13-19, 2023. Starting a business the old way is hard On an Idea Friendly visit to Jackson County, Kentucky, I visited with a group of artists/entrepreneurs. This group had created a loose organization called the Jackson County KY Creative Community. They wanted to start businesses, but were…

    Read More Pop Up in An Empty LotContinue

  • An open retail space with colorful and appealing displays of handcrafted goods
    entrepreneurship | marketing | rural | social media

    The Allure of Authenticity: Rural stories can give your product a leg up

    BySmall Biz Survival September 13, 2023September 13, 2023

    Why Rural Craftsmanship Resonates in Online Sales Guest post by Tance Hughes In today’s digital age, the online marketplace is bustling with options at every click. Amidst the buzz of big brands and flashy advertisements, there lies an understated yet profound power: the allure of authenticity. For rural entrepreneurs, this authenticity is rooted in their craft,…

    Read More The Allure of Authenticity: Rural stories can give your product a leg upContinue

  • A diverse crowd watches a marching band in a small town parade
    economic development | marketing | rural

    What small town businesses can do during events to capitalize on the extra people

    BySmall Biz Survival June 9, 2023March 12, 2025

    Guest post by Jeremy Zeller Do your homework – WHO WILL BE ATTENDING the event? Cater to that audience. Families, College students, Car enthusiasts, Cosplay…yes, even them. If you do not want to keep your store open, set up a SIDEWALK STAND or TABLE and sell there. An assortment of products and swag to just…

    Read More What small town businesses can do during events to capitalize on the extra peopleContinue

  • Paula Jensen
    community | economic development | rural

    Has your community made negativity a habit?

    ByPaula Jensen July 6, 2022July 5, 2022

    Living in a small town, we are often inclined to see change in our community as a threat to ourselves and our way of life. When we feel threatened by change, uncertainty rears its ugly head and our negativity often takes over. We say things like “What’s wrong with the way we’ve always done it?”…

    Read More Has your community made negativity a habit?Continue

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