REV Spotlight: Springfield
The Rural Entrepreneurial Ventures (REV) is an entrepreneurial development program designed to advance small town economies through a targeted business approach. REV provides coaching, resources and connections throughout the visioning and implementation process as each community explores what economic development means for their town. As we seek communities under 10,000 to join the next REV cohort, we are sharing some stories from our current REV communities. The REV group in Springfield shared some of their thoughts about the program.
What was the entrepreneur/business-scape like before REV started?
Mixed mindsets and limited sense of optimism. Business culture was ripe and rotting rather than green and growing with much uncertainty of for the future.
Ribbon Cutting at K&S Co. Boutique.
What has REV looked like in your community? How has the entrepreneur/business-scape changed since REV started? Include some of the major outcomes.
Kickstart Springfield has focused on four key areas:
- Celebrate successes and focus the narrative around a positive culture that is green and growing. I.E. Ribbon Cuttings, 1 Million Cups On the Road Presenters, etc.
- Connect Entrepreneurs to Resources: The City created a Facebook Page and Business Tool Box on the City website to help navigate information whether as an established business or entrepreneur looking to start something new in Springfield.
- Collaborate with EDA and Chamber to promote events such as leadership trainings, social media marketing, conflict resolution, etc. via business-to-business lunches, come and go coffee, etc.
- Business Leadership Outreach: By implementing surveys and reaching out to business owners to hear their feedback related to pain points or struggles to help find solutions and help remove barriers or obstacles entrepreneurs are faced with in Springfield.
What would you tell someone considering REV for their community?
I highly recommend going through the process! It was great working with the SMIF team & their coaches to help engage with our entrepreneurs. This continuing endeavor is of great benefit to our long-term growth and cultivating our entrepreneur spirit and positive mindset going into the future.
Communities interested in jumpstarting their local economy through the REV program should submit a letter of interest by June 12, 2023. Find details here.
