Gwen Richtermeyer

Cassy Venters

This research roundtable is directed towards community and economic development practitioners and researchers who are interested in a greater understanding of the importance of entrepreneurship as an economic development strategy in both rural and urban environments. Using the current entrepreneurship literature, applied research, and the research undertaken by the presenters, this session will assist participants in recognizing the value of entrepreneurship as one of the strategies to be undertaken along with traditional economic development strategies. In addition, this session will identify what communities can do to embrace and sustain small business and entrepreneurship, how the needs of entrepreneurs vary based on gender and race/ethnicity, and the types of programs, products and services that are based specifically on this market.

The purpose of this session is to increase awareness about the value of entrepreneurship as an economic development strategy, and to offer specific examples Extension workers can incorporate into their thinking and practices at the local level. With the projected trend of even greater numbers of entrepreneurs starting businesses, this is a strategy that cannot be ignored in the larger economic development approach.

Handout: Why is Entrepreneurship an Important Economic Development Strategy (PDF format, 79 kb)