Entrepreneurship

With an identity proudly rooted in its small town history, and a location ideal for commercial development, Hillsborough strikes a savvy balance between preservation of its past and growth for its future.

Elkin builds on the local craft economy by investing in an artisan craft guild and an apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program provides craft training and mentorship, as well as small business skills to artisan entrepreneurs.

Dillsboro turned an environmental pollutant into an economic asset by converting landfill methane gas into energy to power local artists’ studios at the Jackson County Green Energy Park. The results include new businesses and jobs for the community.

This town’s choice to embrace ecotourism and to support local entrepreneurs is transforming the local economy and providing residents with a sense of accomplishment and independence from the control of industry outsiders.

Brevard capitalizes on the economic value of retirees, and not just as consumers. Local retirees assemble an award-winning network of “consultants,” who support new and existing businesses.

Douglas cultivates economic development from three angles— by intensifying entrepreneurship and small business efforts, by diversifying industrial recruitment and employers, and by preparing a cadre of new leaders to move the community’s vision forward.

After losing Parsons College, the town’s main economic anchor, civic leaders in Fairfield took a risk and sold the campus to an alternative California university—a move that would lead to unique town-gown relations and ultimately play a role in Fairfield’s rich diversity, strong civic infrastructure, and pioneering entrepreneurial networks.

Civic leaders in this historic coal mining community subsidized downtown storefront rent for artist-retailers. Over a period of five years, artists cleaned up downtown storefronts and brought the town’s downtown square back into economic productivity.

This town invests in the creative energy of rural artists. Through a regional cultural center, New York Mills attracts outside talent and energy into their town, bringing fresh perspective on the community’s challenges and opportunities.

Oakland demonstrates that the arrival of Wal-Mart need not be a death knell for small, local businesses. Through the Main Street Program, Oakland works with existing business owners to prepare for the arrival of Wal-Mart.

In the face of dramatic population decline, Ord builds local capacity to pursue its four pillars of community economic development: youth outreach, leadership development, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship.

Pelican Rapids is a diverse rural community where eighteen different languages are spoken in the elementary school. By developing cross-cultural learning opportunities and a youth soccer league, this community capitalizes on the entrepreneurial talents of local immigrants.

This small town is capitalizing on the economic value of arts-based small businesses. Through a unique partnership with a regional community college, Siler City is nurturing the creativity and entrepreneurship of local artists.

Spruce Pine is at the center of western North Carolina’s craft and culture economy. By producing and marketing products from a children’s story, it is redefining economic development for others.

In the wake of shuttered textile mills and climbing unemployment, Star joined with a regional non-profit partner to develop a business incubator, located in a former mill building, which provides space and training to local artisans.

Wadesboro partnered with a regional community college to convert an abandoned textile mill complex into a tremendous economic asset. The Lockhart-Taylor Center includes space for a business incubator, entrepreneurship training, and public meeting space.

Located at the center of a regional cluster of marine and boat-building businesses, Washington partners with the community college to create a workforce development and entrepreneurship program to capitalize on the booming industry.