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Growing an Entrepreneurial Economy
with Rooted Corporations
For most of rural America our past success was rooted in natural resources and location. Farming, fisheries, timber, energy, mining, transportation nodes and corridors and access to tourism assets have brought us into the 21 st Century. While these economic forces and sectors are likely to remain important to many rural regions, they are now insufficient to ensure the prosperity of all rural communities.

A sweet spot for rural economic development now lies with "rooted corporations." What do we mean by this term? Our newest thought paper explains why rooted corporations are so important to community development and how we can support them through focused entrepreneurial ecosystem building. We also touch on the risk and threat associated with external ownership of ventures in today’s climate.
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
Last month Nebraska Extension hosted its annual Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference featuring speakers and break out sessions to share best practices in economic development, placemaking and demographic renewal. Don Macke presented Systematically Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem , which explored the relationship between entrepreneurs and community prosperity.
Field News
Inc. Entrepreneurship Index. This yearlong study says entrepreneurship is booming and suggests why small businesses aren't feeling it.

Rural America's future isn't written. Check out this opinion piece written by Nathan Ohle, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, providing ideas that can help drive more prosperity in rural America.

Where Should You Locate Your Business? This Entrepreneur article lists 5 considerations.

3 Keys to the Economic Viability of Small Towns. Opinion piece positing that rural development should focus first on a unique identity, then on housing, safety, and education, and lastly on jobs (based on the premise that the characteristics of work are changing, so remote workers and entrepreneurs can choose a community first and then focus on their work).
Upcoming Events
The Mayors Conference on Entrepreneurship
Don Macke is presenting at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation's annual conference for mayors who want to help communities and cities "grow their own."
May 20-22, 2019
Kansas City, Missouri
2019 Kauffman Foundation Eship Summit
e2 is a sponsor of the third annual convening bringing entrepreneurial ecosystem builders together and connecting communities to accelerate entrepreneurship.
May 21-23, 2019
Kansas City, Missouri
Save the Date
NREDA 2019 Annual Conference
November 6-9, 2019
Kansas City, MO
Don Macke will be presenting at the conference.