Rural Economic 
Development

2011 Trends Driving
Rural Small Business

Local, Government and Economic Development are the three key factors shaping rural small business in the coming year. Within each of these factors are smaller subtrends. Here’s a closer look at what to expect for rural businesses in 2011.  (more)

Visitors are looking for what you might already have...

~ One-of-a-kind experiences
~ Adventure Travel
~ Cultural Events
~ Festivals
~ Outdoor Recreation
~ Educational Travel
~ Historical Places
~ Museums
~ Shopping
~ Weekend Travel
~ Unique settings for family
   reunions, weddings, etc.

Helpful Links

Agri-Tourism

Montana has a strong tourism industry that farms and ranches can and do utilize to augment their income, help manage resources, and educate Montana’s visitors. (more)

Rural Outsourcing

Rural Outsourcing is the concept of using well-established outsourcing companies that utilize the talent of professional people who chose to live in rural areas. By using rural outsourcing you costs are reduced because people who live in rural areas, can work for lesser wages because the cost of living for them is smaller them people who live in urban areas, or big cities. By doing this you have a great alternative to offshoring, you can keep your projects in your own country and still reduce your overall spending.

Professionals who chose to live in rural communities for personal reasons such as quality of life, prior family history, and recreational activities. Due to the lower cost of living, these professionals are willing to accept salaries as much as 40% lower than salaries obtainable in urban areas.