Rural Entrepreneurship

The Agenda for Georgia’s Entrepreneurs

Small Business Majority has created a comprehensive state policy agenda to ensure entrepreneurship is at the center of a thriving and inclusive economy in Georgia. The state’s 1.2 million small businesses comprise 99.6% of all businesses in the state, and they employ 1.7 million residents—nearly half of all Georgia employees.

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Colorado entrepreneur in the business of giving back to the community

In 2018, Lauren Coleman started The Sursy with the vision to build a bespoke hospitality brand that owns, designs, and operates a portfolio of unique properties across the Southwest. She owns the White Swan Motel in Lakewood, Colorado (to become Loveland House Hotel) and Mellow Moon Lodge, Rodeo Mercantile, and the Moon Bar & Lounge in Del Norte, Colorado.

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Small Business Majority comments on reproductive healthcare proposal for over-the-counter medication

On December 1, Small Business Majority's CEO John Arensmeyer provided written comments on the Request for Information (RFI) regarding the coverage of over-the-counter (OTC) preventive services for reproductive healthcare specifically as it relates to contraceptives access and availability. Access to quality and affordable reproductive healthcare, including preventive services, is critical for ensuring full participation in entrepreneurship and business ownership.

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Colorado childcare provider weighs in on challenges for rural small businesses

Diane Hernandez knows from raising her own four children and one grandchild how hard it is to get quality childcare in her small, rural town of Julesburg, Colo. 

So after retiring from retail management, she decided to take a leap of faith and opened a home-based, licensed childcare business in January 2020. 

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Small Business Majority and business organizations submit comments to U.S. Treasury Department regarding SSBCI funding

Today, Small Business Majority and 42 other business organizations submitted recommendations to the U.S. Department of Treasury concerning the distribution of funding for Technical Assistance (TA) programs and activities that support small business ecosystems.

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Small Business Majority submits comments concerning rate review of the Colorado Option

On August 1, Small Business Majority's Colorado Director Lindsey Vigoda submitted comments to the Colorado Division of Insurance concerning the rate review process of the Colorado Option's small group market filings, which could impact small business participation in the standardized health benefit plans. 

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Benevolence Farm’s social enterprise makes a difference for North Carolina women

Benevolence Farm, located in Graham, N.C., is a transitional living and employment program for women leaving North Carolina prisons. The farm grows and sells produce, flowers and herbs and manufactures soaps, lotions and candles with the support of the women participating in its programs.

According to their mission statement, “Benevolence Farm seeks to cultivate leadership, promote sustainable livelihoods, and reap structural change with individuals impacted by the criminal justice system in North Carolina.”

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Pandemic sparks entrepreneurship for rural candlemaker

Middle school teacher Talia Waller started making her own organic candles for fun because the price point for similar products are so high in stores. In the early days of the pandemic, her candle-making hobby became a successful side hustle for Talia. These days, Catherine Ann’s Candles—named for Talia’s two grandmothers—is a thriving business with a storefront and bulk contracts with her local supermarket.

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Rural restaurant owner stays hopeful despite slow recovery from the pandemic

After working as a rescue specialist at a fire department in Mexico City for many years, Hector Chavez and his family moved to the United States so he could pursue certifications and advance his career. But 10 years later and out of opportunities to continue his passion, Hector decided to open Plaza Garibaldi, a Mexican restaurant in Soledad, Calif. 

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Georgia small business council member kombucha’d her way into the pandemic

Just six months after Suhyoon Wood concocted her very first batch of kombucha, she decided it was time to turn her passion project into her very own small business. When her signature recipe—a blend incorporating organic green tea and honey—gained popularity among her friends and community members, she launched Beejou Craft Kombucha: Columbus, Ga.’s first and only craft and brewery kombucha taproom. 

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