As our rural communities prepare to embrace the future – globalization, automation, and innovation – we must consider a comprehensive and inclusive growth approach that extends beyond industrial recruitment. That’s why we are launching the CREATE program, a two-year cohort program focused on "Cultivating Rural Entrepreneurs And Transforming Economies."
Program Overview
The CREATE program is designed to help leaders in rural communities implement entrepreneurship and small business growth plans. A rural community is defined as a county with 50,000 residents or fewer
Participating communities receive the technical assistance and guidance to accomplish the following:
- Identify the assets and gaps of your community’s entrepreneurial/small business support system, including potential areas for investment.
- Understand the importance of a healthy entrepreneurial/small business support system to your local and regional economy and how these types of businesses can support long-term community and economic development goals (e.g., vibrant downtown, talent retention/attraction).
- Identify potential partners, resources, and funding sources to support project implementation.
- Learn about best practices related to entrepreneurial/small business support systems in other rural communities.
- Elevate the voices of existing entrepreneurs and small business owners.
These efforts will culminate in the creation and implementation of a targeted growth strategy and plan for your local and regional economy, providing definitive next steps for supporting and attracting entrepreneurs and small businesses to your community.
Participation & Team Composition
Participating communities are expected to identify 5 to 6 champions to participate in the program alongside the team leader(s). In-person participation of all team members at program session is required.
Champions included local government leaders, regional partners, and community and economic development leaders (e.g., representatives from chambers of commerce, development authorities, and main street organizations). Additionally, selected champions had the knowledge of diverse areas relevant to entrepreneurs and small businesses, such as finance, real estate, legal/regulatory affairs, marketing, expansion/market entry, and product licensing.
At least one participant had to be an entrepreneur or small-business owner, acknowledging that those individuals may not have been available to attend all in-person sessions.
Selection Criteria
Several key criteria are deemed imperative to spurring positive impact, specifically the successful implementation of the foundational pillars associated with entrepreneurial/small business support systems.
- Community Readiness: Demonstration of community motivation to fully participate in the program sessions, regularly convene with community champions and subject matter experts, and affect positive change through strategy implementation.
- Community Champions: Participation commitment of 5 to 6 community champions knowledgeable of local entrepreneurial and small-business resources and needs.
- Sustainability: Ability for the local community to implement identified strategies and sustain investment in impactful programming opportunities beneficial to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Questions
Questions about future opportunities or the applications should be submitted to Scott Purvis (mspurvis@southernco.com).
