Rural Entrepreneurship Conference Scheduled

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is sponsoring a three-day conference on the critical importance of entrepreneurship in creating more and better jobs in rural America, September 17-19 in Batavia, Ohio (just 30 minutes from the Cincinnati airport). 

With the governors of three Appalachian states, the ARC federal co-chairman, and national experts on entrepreneurship as participants, the conference will examine best practices in the field of rural entrepreneurship, the impact of ARC's Entrepreneurship Initiative in Appalachia, and application of these strategies to rural communities throughout the United States. 

Since 1998, ARC has launched over 100 projects to support entrepreneurs in the 13-state Appalachian Region. The projects are supporting development of more homegrown businesses in four ways: 

• Improving access to private investment for local businesses through the development of new venture capital funds and micro-credit debt funds; 
• Educating current and future entrepreneurs through new training programs in middle schools, high schools, and community colleges; 
• Strengthening local economies by identifying and capitalizing on particular industries in which communities have a competitive advantage; and, 
• Nurturing new businesses by creating and maintaining business incubators throughout the Appalachian Region. 

Besides creating an anticipated 1,300 new jobs, these projects are also designed to help communities develop a culture of entrepreneurship and encourage residents to develop the skills they need to become economically independent. 

The conference will focus on: 

• Strengthening the support infrastructure for rural entrepreneurs; 
• Identifying new investment opportunities for private, philanthropic, and public-sector partners; and 
• Providing new directions for successful rural entrepreneurship programs. 

Conference brochures and online registration will be available in mid-July. For additional information, contact Deann Reed Greathouse, ARC, 202/884-7786, or email entrepreneurship@arc.gov 

For additional information on ARC's Entrepreneurship Initiative, visit:

http://www.arc.gov/programs/reginit/entrep.htm