Small Business Development Centers and Rural Entrepreneurial Development Strategies: Are We Doing Enough for Rural America?

Abstract

Many states across the United States have significant rural populations, which typically face different sets of challenges than those closer to urban populations. This is particularly evident in the different types of opportunities that small businesses face in those rural areas. In recent years, various efforts - both at a national and local level - have been taken to increase those opportunities for rural small businesses. However, those efforts have not always produced the results that are envisioned. Utilizing information about Small Business Development Center (SBDC) strategies to serve small businesses in both rural and urban areas, we highlight the efforts that work to aid rural entrepreneurs as well as those that fall short.

Analysis of a Small Business Development Center’s Entrepreneurial Training Program and Counseling Services for Rural and Urban Entrepreneurs in Wisconsin

“…This study offered evidence that the guided preparation services provided by the SBDC program influenced venture growth. As a result, Chrisman et al (2005) provided a testable theory explaining why the SBDC program appeared to contribute economic value, a finding that was supported by prior and subsequent research (Chrisman & Katrishen, 1994;Chrisman & McMullan, 2000;Dunne et al, 2021). The theory of guided preparation remains relatively untested; only a few researchers have empirically investigated the theory.…”

“…The results suggest that participation in the ETP is an effective way to increase business start activity in rural settings and, when paired with one-on-one counseling with an expert SBDC consultant, outcomes are improved. Consistent with recent research (Dunne et al, 2021), the Small Business Development Center program delivers effective education and counseling services to rural entrepreneurs, and provides an existing infrastructure that could be leveraged to further enhance rural entrepreneurship activity.…”

“…According to the theory, and in alignment with the stated goals of the SBDC, participation in the ETP should improve these outcomes. However, there is limited research to date on the impact of SBDC services offered to rural entrepreneurs (Dunne et al, 2021), and this study expands on those findings.…”

“…and education services provided by organizations like the SBDC (Atterton et al, 2011;. Echoing this call, Dunne et al (2021), proposed that SBDCs should develop a strategy focused on enhancing technology training services to clients in rural areas.…”

Tiga Tahap Formulasi Strategi Pembangunan Sektor Pertanian di Kabupaten Lebak

“…Menurut Winarso, (2017), pengembangan bisnis berdasarkan konsep agribisnis memiliki subsistem keterkaitan yang membentuk satu kesatuan bisnis pertanian yaitu subsistem pengadaan sarana produksi, subsistem produksi, subsistem agroindustri, subsistem pemasaran, dan subsistem pelayanan oleh pemerintah. Dunne et al, (2021) memberikan penjelasan tentang pentingnya kegiatan pertanian sebagai bisnis karena tenaga kerja pertanian di daerah pedesaan menjadi semakin berkurang dan petani usaha kecil berjuang untuk memiliki akses ke sumber daya penting lainnya, oleh sebab itu, sangat penting bahwa pemerintah menjangkau dan membantu pengusaha pedesaan. Pentingnya bisnis pedesaan ini bagi masyarakat lokal, bertujuan untuk membantu merevitalisasi ekonomi.…”