Examining the Unique Opportunities and Needs of Rural Small Businesses

Rural entrepreneurs start businesses at higher rates than their urban counterparts and have higher five-year business survival rates, creating roughly two-thirds of new jobs and supporting the economic and social wellbeing of their communities. While these entrepreneurs represent great potential, they often face different challenges than those in metropolitan areas. To better understand the state of rural small businesses, Small Business Majority conducted a three-pronged research project to explore the unique needs of small business owners in rural communities.

Please join Small Business Majority and Congressional Rural Caucus Co-Chair Terri Sewell at the Capitol Visitor Center on February 12 as we release the results of this research and discuss barriers facing rural small business communities. The event will highlight Small Business Majority’s new report that reveals findings from field research conducted with rural small business owners and community stakeholders in Georgia, Mississippi, Texas and New Mexico, nationwide opinion polling of rural small business owners and policy recommendations to better serve the needs of these entrepreneurs. A panel featuring policy experts and rural small business owners will follow to expand on issues impacting rural entrepreneurs. Congresswoman Terri Sewell will also provide remarks on the importance of supporting rural economies.  

Please RSVP to Simone Hall at [email protected]

*Please note this event will be closed to press. Small Business Majority staff and small business owners will be available after the panel discussion to further discuss the report findings.