Photo by Becky McCray.

Small businesses form the cornerstone of local economies.

In larger cities they are important, but in rural areas, they are crucial, not only economically but for the variety of products and services they provide.

To begin with, the economic impact of the small business is sizable. Research shows that for every $100 spent, $68 dollars spent at a small business stays in the local community as opposed to $43 for larger retailers.

Next, they are the typically the job creators for the community. Thus, their economic impact goes beyond the direct dollar impact. It includes jobs and the creation of other businesses that may support another business or want to locate in an area with a strong economy.

Small businesses offer much more to our local economy. Small retailers can provide special services such as offering unique and local items. They also can special order those one-of a kind items. And with today’s shipping options, you can have that item tomorrow.

Small-businesses owners tend to give back to the community in a variety of ways. They usually are key financial supporters of local schools and clubs. Owners often are involved in civic organizations and serve in elected and appointed positions. Small-business owners view their involvement as being a good neighbor.

Local businesses also form a part of a community’s identity. When you hear a community’s name mentioned, you often think about one or two stores you enjoyed the last time you were there. For those communities, the store name is a brand that helps form their identity.

Small businesses are attracted to communities that show local support for such businesses. This relationship builds on the local sense of community.

Having a variety of local businesses builds community and helps all businesses. Small businesses help keep people in town, they form a part of community pride and they make the community a destination.

Strong small businesses and strong communities go hand-in-hand.

Stop by most any rural coffee shop and you probably will hear a discussion about attracting more people to the community. Then the question arises, can it be done? The Center for Small Towns, located at the University of Minnesota, Morris, plans to look at that question. Mark June 4th and 5th on your calendars and learn what has worked and what are the myths. See their announcement below for more information and their website.

Looks like a great opportunity to network and discuss the issues facing rural communities.

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SAVE THE DATE: 2014 Symposium on Small Towns (June 4-5, 2014):

The Rural Futures Institute is partnering with the University of Minnesota Morris’ Center for Small Towns, among others, to plan the Symposium on Small Towns event which will be held in Morris, Minnesota. Held on June 4–5, 2014, the event is themed: Understanding Rural Migration: Myths, Trends, and Opportunities Exposed. Hosted at the beautiful University of Minnesota, Morris campus the symposium will address the changing truths of small towns and debunk the current myths surrounding migration to and from small towns.

There will be a series of breakout sessions, discussions, and keynotes during the 2-day event. We encourage you to consider attending this event and share your experiences with others from the Great Plains region. Some goals of the symposium include:
• Improving the dialogue surrounding migration research in rural areas.
• Exemplifying the ways communities are connected through migration.
• Exploring the role narrative language plays in recruitment strategies.
• Delineating the strategy differences between youth and adult recruitment.
• Developing a strategy to evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment and retention efforts.
• Exploring common recruitment strategies between states.
• Gathering experiences with place-based strategies; i.e. Land incentives, internships, alumni.

As a partner in planning this event, the Rural Futures Institute encourages interested individuals to partake in the conversation. Visit the conference website for details.