ISU Extension to Agriculture and Natural Resources

Building Infrastructure for Community Economic Development

Steve Padgitt, Faculty, Sociology

Situation

Increasingly, policy makers and local leaders are recognizing and emphasizing the importance of local entrepreneurial support to advance economic development in rural communities. In part, this has been prompted by the reduction in opportunities for rural communities to attract externally owned and managed firms.

Objective

To increase entrepreneurial activities and reduce poverty in three targeted northwest Iowa and southern Minnesota communities by sponsoring/co-sponsoring educational events, support activities and local resources for entrepreneurialism.

Activities

Jane Goeken, northwest field specialist lead, in conjunction with Beverlyn Allen, campus, and the Northwest Area Foundation's (NWAF) Horizons program:

Entrepreneurial efforts were identified as a priority issue at town meetings attended by 300-600 residents in each of the three communities
Three educational events (Energizing Entrepreneurial Workshops) were held in two communities on the potential of locally based support for increased entrepreneurialism (attendance = 39)
Published materials and how-to resources on entrepreneurialism and business start-up were purchased for use by local residents and archived in local libraries
Representatives from two of the three targeted communities were supported to attend site visits to an award winning entrepreneurial community or attend regional workshops on entrepreneurialism community
e-commerce and other software has been purchased for use by local beginning businesses

Impact

Working groups for increased community capital has been formed, are active, and have energized each community. Among the new groups are ones addressing skill and interpersonal support for local entrepreneurs. Supporters and participants of the Horizons program were also persons active in one community's successful bid for a high competitive gaming license. This achievement has led to increased interest in new businesses.

2005
121-- Adding Value and Enhancing Agricultural Products

Page last updated: July 5, 2006
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