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 [...]

If You Build It, They Might Not Come

Communities struggling to maintain their economies often buy into the belief that if they build it, the people will come.  That is, by focusing on physical improvements, the hope is that consumers, businesses and investors will inevitably flock to town.  Viewed this way, the point is obvious, but many communities have implemented massive physical improvement projects thinking that their work [...]

Wanted: Canadian Businesses in Need

CBC has recently announced that the producers of Canada’s top-rated business entertainment program, Dragon’s Den, are looking for struggling Canadian companies to participate in a new business show. 
In this new series, some of the country’s top investors will spend their time and money to help these Canadian companies get back on their feet and will offer [...]

Is Your Community Business-Friendly?

Over the past eighteen months, I’ve been assisting two communities within our region implement a Business Vitality Initiative (BVI).  In a nutshell, the BVI measures how attractive your community is to small businesses. 
Developed by the Centre for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leadership (CIEL), the BVI engages key stakeholders in identifying new business and economic opportunities and encourages communities [...]

Vagabond Tours: An Irish Success Story

There’s nothing I love better than a small business success story … and while touring Ireland with Vagabond, this small – but growing - adventure travel company quickly proved why it’s worth its weight in gold.

While most travellers remember the sights and scenery encountered while on vacation, not many can say they’ve driven through them!  That’s the [...]

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