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 [...]

Rural Healthcare Camp

Some rural areas are combating shortages of health professionals by encouraging local young people to experience such work … and then bring their skills back to the community. 
One such example is Washakie County, Wyoming, which last year started Camp Healthcare for eighth-graders, Jackie Borchardt of the Casper Star-Tribune writes. 
This year, campers learned how to dress [...]

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 [...]

Return 2 Rural

Continuing with our series of rural development guest posts, I’d like you to meet Christie Dick, team leader of an innovative rural youth attraction and retention project called Return to Rural.  Read on to find out how they are pioneering a new approach to address youth out-migration through the blending of technology and community.
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At a time when many communities [...]

Exploring Rural Development: Rural Brain Drain

As an online colleague of mine, I’m pleased to present Joanne Steele, the fifth contributor to The ‘Fringe’s limited online series exploring rural/rurban development.  Not only does Joanne have loads of experience under her belt, she is generous with her time and knowledge and shares this online, as well as in numerous other venues.  Her strong travel and tourism background [...]

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