How to Build Rural Business Networks

Entrepreneurs regularly report that they truly value opportunities to network, interact with, and learn from fellow entrepreneurs. In most big cities, entrepreneurs can find frequent opportunities to meet with other business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs. Networking can be a little tougher in rural communities where it requires more travel and where a smaller population base may mean fewer fellow entrepreneurs. While networking may be slightly more difficult in a rural setting, it can and does happen on a regular basis. For those regions that are hoping to build their own networks, a new guide from North Carolina should help. “Hello, My Business Name Is:” A Guide to Building Entrepreneurial Networks in North Carolina is designed to help entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community leaders who are seeking to create strong locally-based entrepreneur networks. It profiles several successful networks, and offers a how-to guide on building such networks.

“Hello, My Business Name Is:” A Guide to Building Entrepreneurial Networks in North Carolina, was published by North Carolina’s Council for Entrepreneurial Development as a part of North Carolina’s Entrepreneurial Development Systems Project, a statewide effort led by the North Carolina Rural Development Center and numerous other partners.

It is available on-line at: http://www.cednc.org/resources/reports_and_surveys/networks_guide.pdf

(Thanks to the National Dialogue on Entrepreneurship for passing this along. Russ)