Small Business

The most effective development strategy for rural communities is small entrepreneurship – locally owned and operated small businesses.

Strategies
You have a great idea for a new small business. Congratulations! That's the first step. Here are some other ideas and information to consider on your journey to success.

Small Business Programs
Several programs are available to help businesses to become established and grow. Our own Rural Enterprise Assistance Project provides training, technical assistance, and small loans for entrepreneurs in Nebraska.  

Small Business Notes

 

The Rushmore State – Carving out a business profile

The top need for small businesses in South Dakota is finding quality employees. Owners also identified employee quantity issues as the leading growth inhibitor.

“The Rushmore State – Carving out a Business Profile: 2017 South Dakota Small Business Needs Assessment Results,” is authored by Dr. Patricia Ahmed, lecturer at South Dakota State University; and Dena R. Beck, senior project leader and loan specialist of the Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project and Rural Investment Corporation.

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PDF icon The Rushmore State – Carving out a business profile

Center for Rural Affairs January and February newsletter

This edition of our newsletter focuses on genuine OPPORTUNITY for all to earn a living, raise a family, and prosper in a rural place.

Brian writes about current opportunities that may be slipping away from rural citizens. As they stand at the time of print, both tax bills in Congress benefit the wealthy and large corporations, while doing little for everyday people and small town development.

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PDF icon Center for Rural Affairs January and February newsletter
More publications

Small business a plan for one couple following years of military service

By Rhea Landholm on November 12, 2018 - 10:45am

Did you know that nearly 1 in 10 small businesses in the U.S. is owned by a veteran? Together, they employ nearly 5 million American workers and produce more than $1 trillion in sales every year.

Last week was National Veterans Small Business Week, Nov. 5 to 9, and we recognize those who serve, their important role in our economy, and their contributions to rural America.

Rosa Maria realizes her dreams with help of the Center for Rural Affairs

By Liz Daehnke on October 30, 2018 - 9:48am

Keep your body, mind, and soul in harmony.

This is something Rosa Maria Brooks takes to heart when running her business, Rosa Maria’s Wellness Spirit Of Healing And Astrology Center, LLC.

More than just a day spa, the mission of the business is “to help people create and maintain an optimal lifestyle, supporting, inspiring, and encouraging through therapeutic massage and other tools, safely and easily, with the use of noninvasive technology.”

“When someone walks into my business, they can feel the spirit and the mind relax,” said Rosa Maria.

Photographer receives picture perfect business tips through training

By Liz Daehnke on October 24, 2018 - 12:37pm

Running a successful business doesn’t happen overnight; it takes hard work, ambition, and persistence. Occasionally, entrepreneurs also have to step outside their comfort zone and ask for help.

Stacy Ideus is one such entrepreneur. A portrait artist specializing in weddings and family photography, her studio is located in Wahoo, Nebraska. Stacy says she strives to capture people with her camera in natural environments, either on location or in their home.

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