The National Dialogue on Entrepreneurship highlights several programs that are having success in supporting rural entrepreneurial economic development.
For example, in Monroe, LA, Renewal, Inc., is operating a successful microenterprise program that trains new minority and women business owners. In West Virginia, the Conservation Fund is investing in businesses that utilize local natural resources in a sustainable and ecologically-sound manner. In Michigan, the Land Use Institute operates programs that link farmers to restaurants and food stores that are promoting “buy local” campaigns. All of these examples highlight innovative and effective means to link enterprise development, sustainability, and rural community revitalization.
All of these programs are featured in the latest issue of Routes of Change, an e-newsletter published by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.