First Annual Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium Scheduled for June 19-21

The University of Vermont (UVM) Grossman School of Business is set to host the inaugural Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium from June 19–21, 2024, in collaboration with the U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE). This symposium marks the beginning of a series of annual events that will traverse the country, with future locations including Iowa in 2025, Colorado in 2026, and Texas in 2027.

The Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium aims to bring together educators, researchers, and advocates of entrepreneurship, innovation, and small businesses from various parts of the United States. The event will delve into the reasons why rural and small-town settings in Vermont and other rural states foster numerous innovative organizations that flourish due to their rural essence. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange insights and experiences from their respective regions and gain an understanding of Vermont’s approach to entrepreneurship and small business through a series of workshops, panels, research presentations, and networking sessions.

One of the highlights of the symposium will be three community workshops focusing on topics such as developing sustainable social and economic infrastructure, promoting diversity and inclusivity in small businesses, and establishing entrepreneurial hubs and platforms. Local experts in entrepreneurship will share their experiences and engage in collaborative brainstorming with attendees to address the unique challenges faced by small towns and rural areas.

The driving force behind the organization of this event is Erik Monsen, Associate Professor and Steven Grossman Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship at the Grossman School of Business. Monsen oversees a range of entrepreneurship initiatives at UVM, including the Vermont Pitch Challenge for high school students and the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup for graduating UVM students. He emphasizes the symposium’s potential as a networking opportunity to foster community building and explore the diverse landscape of rural entrepreneurship on a global scale.

The symposium is made possible through the support of various sponsors, including national foundations like the Kauffman Foundation, local organizations such as New England Federal Credit Union, the Vermont Economic Development Authority, Myti, and Local Maverick, as well as numerous university partners nationwide. Sponsors play a crucial role in advancing rural entrepreneurship and contributing to the sustainability of rural economies.

Simeon Chapin, head of social impact at New England Federal Credit Union, underscores the importance of supporting events like the Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium in driving innovation and creating solutions for rural communities. The symposium aligns with UVM’s commitment to its land grant mission of fostering economic, social, and environmental development across the state.

For those interested in participating in or sponsoring the USASBE Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium, registration and sponsorship opportunities are available on the event’s website. Professor Erik Monsen can be contacted for further information or media inquiries. The symposium promises to be a valuable platform for building connections, gaining insights, and revitalizing efforts to promote entrepreneurship in rural communities.

In conclusion, the Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium at the University of Vermont presents a unique opportunity to explore the dynamics of rural entrepreneurship, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative solutions for rural economies. With a diverse range of participants and sponsors, this event is poised to make a significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape in rural America.