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

Moon-Glo Tile and Cleaning Service receives entrepreneur award

By Rhea Landholm on June 11, 2019 - 9:00am

Nancy Cochran-Jones never thought she’d make a living through cleaning services. Then, an opportunity to take over a tile cleaning business changed everything for Nancy and her husband, David Jones.

With financial and technical assistance from the Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP), the couple became owners of Moon-Glo Tile and Cleaning Service in Chappell, Nebraska, in June 2015.

REAP finds a friend in Holt County

By Liz Daehnke on May 28, 2019 - 3:30pm

Business owners in O’Neill, Nebraska, are lucky to have Darby Paxton working on their side.

Since 2016, Darby has served as the Holt County Economic Development director, and in that time he’s provided entrepreneurs in the area with countless opportunities for business growth. Darby says he’s gotten invaluable guidance and assistance through the Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP).

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