It may be possible to build a growing small business in the midst of a declining small town. If so, it will be because we worked together.
The defining characteristics are:
- A small business,
- In a rural or small town setting,
- In a flat or shrinking economy and population.
The challenges include:
- Pressure from competitors in bigger cities,
- Pressure from competitors online, world wide,
- Scarce, or variable quality, resources to assist you locally,
- Tight labor supply, and a graying workforce,
- Lack of skills in your workforce,
- Isolation from your industry peers.
But for each challenge, there is also opportunity.
- The online market opens the world to you.
- Involvement in your community is your way to fight against decline.
- Land is usually cheap, compared to growing areas.
- Regulatory burdens tend to be lower than in well-developed regions.
- A little payroll usually goes a long way.
- Work ethic is usually high.
These are the issues and subjects this blog may cover in the coming months. Expect to see links, article summaries, and editorial comments. If this sounds like your new favorite subject, then hang on!
- How has 2020 changed the challenges rural small towns face? Tell us here - October 20, 2020
- The Idea Friendly Method to surviving a business crisis - October 6, 2020
- Join me for the Rural Renewal Symposium online Oct 13 - September 26, 2020
- Cheap placemaking idea: instant murals - September 11, 2020
- Refilling the rural business pipeline - July 7, 2020
- Huge vacant buildings: grants to renovate? - June 9, 2020
- Economic self defense for small towns - June 7, 2020
- The best things you can do for local businesses in light of coronavirus - March 27, 2020
- How to get more parking downtown without adding any spaces - March 7, 2020
- Exact Yeti Blue mic volume and Windows settings to reduce background noise - February 17, 2020
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