I never cease to be amazed at the power of networking, not only for individuals but for small businesses as well – and ultimately what that means for rural community development. The more we can do to support small business growth in rural communities, the better the outcome for our communities.

Kansas MarketPlace held a few weeks ago brought back to me the power of networking. The Center for Rural Affairs presented this event with the Kansas Department of Commerce and many other partners with funding from USDA Rural Development. The event was the direct result of networking with several leaders in western Kansas.

The primary purpose of MarketPlace is to support small rural business development and growth through professional development and networking. It is designed to maximize networking – creating ample opportunity for people to learn what others are doing and how that might relate to their business or community. And, as you can see below, it’s working.

• A small business owner networked with people at MarketPlace whom he later discovered were just a few miles from him. He had not known they existed, and now they support each other.


• Many small business owners reported exchanging ideas that enhance their own business and sharing resources to help others move their businesses to the next level.


• A small business owner shared information with folks from another state who showed interest in his products. Before leaving, they arranged to hold follow-up discussions.


• Conversations occurred between small business owners about marketing strategies that worked in other places. They will continue exchanging ideas.


• An editor interested in using her skills to start a small business approached a presenter about marketing options. Another person nearby shared ideas and resources for international opportunities in this type of small business.

The take home point: networking works. It can increase your resources, introduce new ideas, expand your business’s reach and, ultimately, help your business succeed. These outcomes all bode well for our communities.

Contact: Kathie Starkweather, kathies@cfra.org or 402.438.8496.