THE RURBAN FRINGE

Young Entrepreneurs Build Successful Rural Enterprises

In Ceredigion, a small county in mid-west Wales, three young entrepreneurs are building thriving rural businesses.  And, as anyone working in rural development can tell you, entrepreneurship is one the biggest drivers of economic success for small communities.  
In Farmers Weekly, Debbie James writes: 
“It’s a typical weekday afternoon in the Sweet household.
Tom is at the computer sifting [...]

The US EDA Wants to Hear From You!

For my American readers – and particularly those involved in rural entrepreneurship and economic development - your input is being sought as the US Economic Development Authority (EDA), in collaboration with Portland State University, develops a new tool for practitioners and policy-makers to better identify and describe the impacts of their economic development activities. 
Feedback is being [...]

Entrepreneurship: Nature vs. Nurture?

Within the last few years, the notion of ‘growing’ entrepreneurs within one’s own economy has become mainstream.  There’s ‘economic gardening’ programs (i.e. planting seeds for economic growth by assisting local entrepreneurs), entrepreneurship training options (i.e Energizing Entrepreneurs or GoForth) and even a US Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education.  In Canada, 2011 has been declared the Year of the Entrepreneur. 
Encouraging entrepreneurship makes [...]

Perfect Pitch Competition a Hit

For youth, breaking into the world of agriculture and farming can be extremely difficult, especially for those working full-time off the farm or raising young families.
But for the past six months, an innovative program has helped four aspiring young entrepreneurs break down the barriers that have blocked them from pursuing their agricultural dreams.
The Perfect Pitch is [...]

Rural Town Names Inspire Beer Business

Nicole Courides has a confessed passion for Intercourse … it’s her business.
Courides founded the Intercourse Brewing Company which she named after the rural Pennsylvania Amish community of Intercourse, ironically a dry town.  
Click here to read the full article.

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