Natural Amenities Drive Rural Entrepreneurship in America
New research from the Capital One Insights Center and the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) highlights that natural capital—such as landscapes, recreational opportunities, and local amenities—is the strongest predictor of rural entrepreneurship. The study analyzed seven forms of community capital across rural areas to determine what supports business creation and economic growth. The report emphasizes that communities with strong natural assets can attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs while fostering local businesses tied to their environment. It also notes that successful rural economies are those that invest in existing strengths rather than extract from them, as seen in places like Bozeman, Montana. The findings suggest a shift away from conventional economic development models toward leveraging unique community advantages. The research challenges the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach to rural growth and instead encourages communities to identify their own distinct assets—be they natural, cultural, or social—and build on them for sustainable entrepreneurship.
Topics: community capital entrepreneurship research rural economy