Rural Entrepreneurship 3

What do rural entrepreneurs say they need?

Here is what rural entrepreneurs in North Carolina told the NC Institute for Rural Entrepreneurship.

The Rural Center conducted 22 focus groups across the state to take the pulse of rural entrepreneurship in North Carolina and to hear from entrepreneurs about their business challenges and what they need to succeed in starting and growing new businesses. Early results indicate the following:

- Entrepreneurs in rural North Carolina face many of the same challenges faced by entrepreneurs in other parts of the country, namely distance from markets, limited local expertise and the absence of peer networks.

- In a few cases, as in Brunswick County and the areas surrounding Asheville, the challenges stem from local prosperity that is bringing in Wal-Marts and other big box retailers to compete with smaller locally owned businesses.

- While participants often cited challenges unique to their business, region or industrial sector, there were four problems cited by entrepreneurs in every focus group session:

* The sense of isolation plaguing rural business owners.
* Lack of access to capital
* Difficulties in accessing outside resources and support services.
* Need for more training and education programs for entrepreneurs.
* While problems persist, there are many signs of optimism.
* Certain sectors, such as agri-tourism, appear to be poised for growth.
* Most rural communities have a strong history of entrepreneurial success and a powerful work ethic on which to build a base for future prosperity.