Building Entrepreneurial Communities
Home Blogs Building Entrepreneurial Communities

Latest Posts
graph superimposed over hands on keyboard

Need data? We can help

In a previous post, now nearly ten years old, I wrote about how data can improve the effectiveness of your organization or local government. Telling a "data story" can help guide decisions, set a future vision, and identify areas of strength or concern. Additionally, I noted that knowing where to...
Finish this story
A florist

What I Wish I had Known Before Starting My Business - Part 2

Owning a business is often seen as a path to freedom, and while that can be true, my experience has revealed a more complex reality marked by significant time commitments, constant adaptation, and important trade-offs. The work is ongoing and encompasses managing daily operations, maintaining a...
Finish this story
Downtown buildings in Cambridge, Illinois

Rural tourism that works starts with residents

In Henry County, tourism doesn’t belong to a single town. It is something communities are building together.As part of the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council tourism listening tour, I spent time in and around Cambridge, Galva, and Bishop Hill, three places with distinct identities but a shared...
Finish this story
female owner working in floral shop

What I Wish I had Known Before Starting My Business - Part 1

Starting a business is often glamorized. You picture creative freedom, financial independence, and the pride of building something from the ground up. While those things can be true, there’s a side of entrepreneurship that rarely gets talked about — the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes reality. If I...
Finish this story

Support your local grocer

Want to know a secret? Your local, independent grocer loves you. Truly. They love your hometown, your traditions, your Friday-night ballgames, and the neighbors they’ve served for years. Despite what some may assume, their love for the community is much greater than their love for profit. Because...
Finish this story
hands holding empty wallet

How Poverty Simulations Inspire Empathy and Action

Poverty is a daily reality for many individuals and families but, unless you’ve lived it, it’s difficult to truly grasp the stress, complexity, and emotional toll it takes. Misconceptions about poverty often overshadow real understanding, but there’s a powerful tool changing that narrative: the...
Finish this story
Scrabble pieces spelling the word Leadership

Community Leadership for Rural Illinois

In the realm of community development, discussions about creating leadership opportunities in rural American communities abound. Some advocate for structured programs, while others emphasize organic, community-driven approaches. However, one critical aspect often overlooked by community organizers...
Finish this story

Blog Authors
Zachary Kennedy

Zachary Kennedy

Extension State Specialist, Community and Economic Development
Susan Odum

Susan Odum

Community and Economic Development Specialist
Nancy Ouedraogo

Nancy Ouedraogo

Extension State Specialist, Community and Economic Development
Keywords
Blog Archives