Rural Entrepreneurs
Rural Entrepreneurial Venture
The Initiative Foundation’s Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) program helps small towns strengthen their economies by supporting local entrepreneurs through community leadership. REV combines coaching, planning and practical resources to help grow businesses, create jobs and build economic vitality from within.
REV is designed for communities of fewer than 50,000 people that are ready to invest in entrepreneurship, leadership and collaboration. If your community wants to spark homegrown businesses and build economic vitality from within, we’re here to help.
This program is made possible through a partnership with University of Minnesota Extension.
Learn about the 2026 participants.
Why Entrepreneurship Matters
Many rural communities have untapped entrepreneurial potential. Small businesses often need the right support to grow, transition or take the next step. Communities that invest in local entrepreneurs retain talent, strengthen downtowns and create resilient economies. REV helps communities take a proactive, structured approach to supporting business growth and long-term prosperity.
Focus Areas
- Community Leadership: Build local capacity, facilitation and collaboration
- Local Economy: Business retention, expansion, succession and talent return
- Access to Capital: From microloans to direct loans to gap loans, our programs can help local entrepreneurs
What We Do
- Provide dedicated coaching for local facilitators, leaders
- Support community-led planning to fortify businesses
- Connect communities to tools, resources, networks
- Offer a tailored approach for each community
- Strengthen partner, stakeholder collaboration
REV Outcomes
- Uncover and activate local entrepreneurial talent
- Build a stronger culture of entrepreneurship
- Support business growth and succession
- Create a clear, long-term economic vision
- Develop systems that sustain local prosperity
Register for an Upcoming Training
Bookkeeping for Child Care Providers
Strong financial management is essential for a successful child care business. This workshop covers bookkeeping fundamentals, including tracking income and expenses, managing tuition payments, budgeting…
- Subject
- Business,Child Care
- Start Date
- October 13, 2026
Business Support
Most business owners will need support at some point in the journey. The Foundation partners with the Central Region and North Central Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to connect entrepreneurs with workshops, consulting, trainings and one-on-one advising delivered by professional business consultants across the region.
Need Help? We Love Helping!
Learn more from Donniel Robinson, entrepreneurship programs manager. The Initiative Foundation is here to support your community’s entrepreneurial ventures.
Access the REV Communities fact sheet.
