ENTREPRENEURSHIP:
A HOMEGROWN STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPMENT
The Central Appalachian Network is developing healthy communities by supporting entrepreneurs' ability to innovate, produce sustainable products and link to regional markets.
Central Appalachia contains the highest concentration of distressed counties in Appalachia. Poverty, and the resulting social problems are stubborn and entrenched. Economic solutions like “Global Economy,” “Bio-Technology Clusters,” and “Industrial Recruitment Strategies” have not created the hoped for success in this region's rural communities. Entrepreneurship has emerged as a rural development strategy that holds promise for Appalachian communities. CAN is working in a multi-state region to bring about the policy changes necessary to encourage community supported entrepreneurship.
What do local entrepreneurs- our neighbors- need to succeed?
- A chance to compete on
a LEVEL PLAYING FIELD!
- ADVICE when they need it and INVESTMENT when they are ready!
- Government that HELPS when it can and STAYS OUT OF THE WAY when it should!
- NEIGHBORS WHO BUY LOCAL!
"Entrepreneurial growth firms account for at least two-thirds of new
jobs in America. "
National Commission on Entrepreneurship
"Entrepreneurs add jobs, raise incomes, create wealth, improve the
life of citizens and help rural communities operate in the global economy."
The
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
