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

Top 5 of 2018: Chatterbox flies again: from skies in WWII to a soaring business venture

By Rhea Landholm on December 31, 2018 - 10:51am

In our second highest viewed post of 2018, we feature a small business in Tekamah, Nebraska. Chatterbox Brews, a bar, restaurant, and event space, successfully worked with our small business loan specialists for financing. The owners have excited the community and, today, more development can be seen along Tekamah's main street. This blog is authored by Liz Daehnke, our communications consultant.

Top 5 of 2018: From the desk of the executive director: Where have all the bankers gone?

By Rhea Landholm on December 28, 2018 - 12:40pm

Countdown time! With less than one week remaining in 2018, a recap is in order. So, here's a review of the five best Center stories of the year, chosen by the most views on our website.

Number five features a piece authored by Executive Director Brian Depew. He takes a look at banking in rural communities and talks about our lending work at the Center.

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