rural business

The World Needs More Entrepreneurs

February 28, 2010

“Every entrepreneur has the power to change lives as he/she changes his/her own life. Its only the question of stepping up and leading! ” As we all keep our eye on economic indicators, it’s easiest to focus on our local, rural area and market. But sometimes, it’s also important to think about what’s happening in [...]

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On The Road Again: Business Meetings in Rural Locations

January 15, 2010

For those of us who live in rural locations, meeting up ‘half way’ with friends, customers, clients and suppliers between our various small towns is commonplace. But figuring out where that half way point might be, and what places there are to easily meet up or have a lunch meeting, is usually a challenge unless [...]

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Collaborative Marketing Among Seasonal Rural Businesses

May 25, 2009

Collaborative Marketing on a seasonal basis can bring success to all rural businesses involved. The Red Rooster Route is a marketing partnership of six local family farms that have banded together to create a new self-guided farm tour, offering adventures ranging from picking your own summer berries and vegetables, to learning about naturally grown foods. [...]

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Economy Helping Agritourism and Rural Businesses

May 23, 2009

The struggling economy seems to be having a positive impact on agri-tourism and other rural businesses, as vacationers choose to vacation closer to home. In fact, agricultural tourism is emerging as one of the few success stories despite today’s economic challenges. “I think the main reason for the boom is the economy,” Blake Brown, an [...]

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If You Want To Be Successful

April 8, 2009

If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing. Will Rogers American Humorist 1879-1935

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Diversifying Farm Operations

April 6, 2009

At the national level, we talk casually about billions and trillions of dollars. And not too long ago, it was difficult to obtain small business loans for less than $250,000.00. Which just goes to show, what a difference a few dollars can make in the lives of small business owners who want to better their [...]

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Rural Business Weekly News – April 4, 2009

April 4, 2009

Here are a few interesting blogs and online articles published this week with news that relate to Rural Business, ending April 4, 2009: This week the U.S. Senate confirmed by unanimous consent Karen Gordon Mills as the 23rd Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Several reports this week on the changing demographics of rural [...]

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New SBA Administrator Confirmed

April 3, 2009

The U.S. Senate today confirmed by unanimous consent President Barack Obama’s nomination of Karen Gordon Mills as the 23rd Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. As Administrator of the SBA, Mills will direct a federal agency with more than 2,000 full-time employees, with a leading role in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs secure [...]

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When Customers Prefer Stores to Online Shopping

April 1, 2009

According to a recent A.C. Nielson survey, customers have very specific reasons for choosing to buy in person at a “brick and mortar” store instead of online. The most common reasons why people prefer to shop in a store are: “58% of the people wanted to physically evaluate the product before purchasing.” “52% didn’t want [...]