The Rural Chamber hosted its first, official event on March 9th in the form of a panel discussion entitled, “Racial Reconciliation Throughout Rural America and Beyond.” The discussion was a phenomenal way to start our shared journey toward helping to move rural communities and economies forward. Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) began the discussion by acknowledging some of the individuals, literature, and events that inspired his life of public service and by reminding us of the hard truths regarding the role of America’s rural economy in slavery and systemic racism – truths that we must accept in order to progress in a reconciliatory manner. Former U.S. Senator and U.S. Ambassador-at-Large, Sam Brownback (R-KS), centered his remarks upon healing, describing racism as “a problem that cries out in the nation” in need of “a thorough discussion and solution.” Joseph Bubman, Executive Director of Urban Rural Action, encouraged all to reject what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. referred to as “negative peace” in favor of “positive peace” and to consistently have conversations on race at the local level, at the dinner table, at community college, at church, and in our neighborhood associations.
According to event attendees, the discussion was necessary, powerful, and valuable. Jocelyn Moore, who serves as the Rural Chamber’s Board Chair, has created a post-event Resource Kit summarizing the panel discussion and offering valuable tools and resources to assist in continuing the dialogue, learning, and work. You can download the Resource Kit here. We hope that you find it useful.
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S
Planting Rural Roots: Leaving The City To Build A Business In The Country on Tuesday, April 6 at 2:00 PM EST. Hear from three entrepreneurs who have left the city and headed to a rural community to build a business. Each will share candid perspectives about their experience so far – the wins, the struggles and their plans and dreams for what is to come.
S H O P R U R A L
S u p p o r t r u r a l e n t r e p r e n e u r s, b u s i n e s s e s a n d b r a n d s
Flower ParTea // Refreshing Herbal Tea
The Herbal Scoop
Lavender Diffuser
Lavande Farms
Fancy Mammoth Cinnamon Glazed Pecans
Schermer Pecans
White Noise // Acrylic on Wood Panel
The What’s Good Project
R E S O U R C E S
Dream-O-Vate Business Competition Grant. Awards up to $35,000. Produced by Livingston County (NY) Economic Development, Dream-O-Vate is a retail business plan competition that encourages entrepreneurs to compete for the chance to open a storefront and earn a coveted business start-up package to turn their dream into reality. Entries can be a new business start-up or diversification of an existing business. All ventures must have a retail component and should be located in one of Livingston County NY’s nine historic Main Street districts. Application deadline is April 23.
Visa Everywhere Initiative is a worldwide, open innovation program in its seventh year. The program focuses on startups that are solving payments and commerce challenges for clients and customers everywhere. Winners are provided with a global platform to demonstrate ground-breaking solutions. Prizes and awards up to $100,000.
Walmart’s 8th Annual Open Call. The company invites entrepreneurs with hopes of landing their products on Walmart’s physical and online shelves to apply. Winners will have the opportunity to virtually meet with and pitch Walmart buyers on June 30. Registration closes on April 30.
And sharing this one again Rural Chamber members, because we REALLY want to see a #RuralEntrepreneur win this thing! NPR How I Built This Fellowship with Guy Raz Have what it takes to be the next entrepreneurial success story? NPR will select 10 entrepreneurs to participate in the How I Built This Fellowship program. Winners will have the opportunity to pitch Guy Raz and one victorious fellowship winner will receive a $50,000 grant to build their business. Application deadline is March 31.
The Rural America Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting and promoting rural entrepreneurs throughout the country while advocating for a stronger, healthier, more equitable rural America for all. If you believe in our mission and work, we warmly invite you to join us.
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