SUCCESS STORIES

Through her participation in the Rural Ideas Network, the inspiring journey of Sarah Hermanson, a rural entrepreneur, and her family's beloved pumpkin farm came to light. Her story is one of hard work, faith, and community spirit, all of which have helped her build not just a successful agricultural business but also a thriving HR consultancy. Forty-four years ago, Sarah's parents embarked on a dream to create a pumpkin farm. Her father, a postal carrier with a background in

In 2020, Brodie Mueller embarked on a venture driven by a desire to celebrate Aberdeen, South Dakota’s community spirit, resulting in the establishment of a coffee shop and restaurant called The Market on the Plaza. What started as a retail brand swiftly evolved into a cozy spot offering locally roasted coffee, fresh sandwiches, and warm paninis—all housed in a beautiful venue where patrons can gather and feel at home. Early on in the business, challenges arose in juggling th

A group of community members in Elizabeth, IL, was interested in starting a coworking space in their community after touring other coworking spaces in Iowa and seeing the need for one. Watch the video to find out how their partnership with the Rural Ideas Network helped create an inspiring coworking space in the heart of Elizabeth. Learn more about our resources that support the startup of coworking spaces here >

Robert Abbott was building a design thinking and entrepreneur program in Ohio when he wanted to find out if he could bring that concept to his hometown of Maquoketa, IA. He was connected to the Rural Ideas Network through the Jackson County Economic Alliance, where he learned about the robust set of resources available through the Rural Resource Shop. Watch the video to find out how his partnership with the Rural Ideas Network helped him create an effort to drive entrepreneur

In the heart of Boone, Iowa, a transformation is underway that promises to breathe new life into a once-neglected space. ReVamp is a visionary project led by Tina McDonald, a passionate entrepreneur with a vision for community renewal and collaboration. McDonald conceived ReVamp from a desire to bring back vibrancy to a part of town that had seen better days. Inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, the project seeks to embody the idea of creating beauty through repair, plac

As the end of the year approaches, rural entrepreneurs and business owners have an excellent opportunity to reflect on their business's financial health and make strategic decisions for the future. Effective year-end financial preparation is crucial for sustainable growth and long-term success. In this article, we will explore 10 key steps rural entrepreneurs can take to ensure their businesses are well-prepared for the upcoming year. 1. Review Your Financial Statements The f

In March 2020, when the world hit pause due to the pandemic, many of us found solace in the simplest things. Food, for instance, suddenly became more than just a meal; it became a bridge connecting us to our roots. And that's where Clint and Kelly Brandlee, the heart and soul of Back Forty Beef, come into the picture. Their journey from ranchers to beef-selling heroes is a tale of resilience, community, and a dash of unexpected adventure. The seed of directly selling their be

In today's competitive business landscape, fostering collaboration and community engagement can often be overlooked. However, Alexa Sheldon, the Executive Director of the Aberdeen Downtown Association, has taken a different approach. With her unique perspective and commitment to partnerships, Sheldon has brought about positive change and set an example for businesses in Aberdeen, a small town in South Dakota. In her role, Sheldon emphasizes the importance of serving as a mech

Having retail experience in a rural community is nothing new to entrepreneur Julie Fischbach. In rural America, entrepreneurship can be a challenging endeavor, especially for women. She runs two boutiques, both located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, which offer a unique shopping experience that draws customers from all around the area. But Julie’s journey to success was not a simple one and is a story that serves as an inspiration to many. As a college student, Julie’s dream was

The Rural Ideas Network originated in Iowa, a state in which more than 75% of counties are rural. We know first-hand how beautiful rural life can be - open natural spaces, low cost of living, and friendly neighbors. We also know starting and running a small business in a rural area can present unique challenges, but there are also several advantages that can be leveraged. Here are some business tips for rural small businesses owners: 1. Understand your market. As we know, rur

Check out this panel discussion featuring web-design professionals sharing best practices you can (and should) use on your own website!

Check out this panel discussion featuring three entrepreneurs sharing a wealth of information about the pros and cons of using online marketplaces (like Amazon, Etsy, Ebay, ShopIowa, and others) to increase your sales. Join moderator Rebecca Undem as she discusses a variety of topics with Nicole Pond (The Yellow Bird), Danielle Chargo (Iron Leaf Press), and Cherie Edilson (who develops community-based online marketplaces through ShopWhereILive)