Building stronger rural economies: The role of education & entrepreneurship - Land-Grant Impacts

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Building stronger rural economies: The role of education & entrepreneurship

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, Rural Communities/Health, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness

The Community Economic Development Program at the University of Wisconsin Extension launched research-driven programs to support entrepreneurs, community leaders, and stakeholders. The Wisconsin Rural Entrepreneurial Venture provided three years of coaching to rural communities, helping seven towns strengthen local business ecosystems. The Homegrown program assisted 60 community leaders in underserved areas with economic data analysis, support networks and business succession planning.

The Start Strong workshop series, in partnership with the Viroqua Chamber of Commerce, trained 24 aspiring business owners. The Entrepreneurs in Training program helped 26 women at the Robert Ellsworth Correctional Facility and six young men at the Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility learn business skills, culminating in a pitch contest.

The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference in Platteville gathered 200 participants to discuss small-town economic strategies. Legal Clinics and webinars addressed barriers to business ownership and attracted 407 attendees. By 2024, 774 Wisconsin residents from all 72 counties participated in Extension’s entrepreneurship programs, gaining the tools and connections to turn their ideas into reality, bringing jobs, economic stability, and community pride.

View the full statement on the NIDB.

Project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds and State Appropriations.

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