What makes our small towns tick$

Nebraska's Rural Poll for 2005 offered insights into what makes small towns tick, including the fact that towns with less than 500 population have an exceedingly high percentage of business owners.

So what percentage would you guess that would be? It's not 15 percent, which is the percentage of business owners in towns of 10,000 and above, nor is it 20 percent, which is the percentage of business owners when all segments of rural Nebraska are considered. No, the surprising total for business ownership in towns under 500 population is 29 percent. That's close to a third, which is a surprisingly large total in comparison to larger towns.

But, when you think about it, the high percentage makes sense because a number of the residents of small towns are involved in agriculture, either with farms of their own or businesses which serve farmers.

Even so, the insight into small town business ownership may offer a clue as to how rural communities should pursue economic development. Instead of going after industries with multiple employees, perhaps a better approach would be to pinpoint needed goods and services and look for an individual or family to fill that nitch with a homegrown and home-owned business.

As an example, consider Stratton and Maywood, both of whom recently lost their only grocery stores. Economic conditions may prevent starting another store of similar size, but what about putting in a smaller store offering a more streamlined inventory? The concept is working in Palisade and Haigler, and it could work in other small towns, too.

In fact, new businesses are springing up on a regular basis in rural Nebraska. The process starts with an idea and a person willing to work to see the idea succeed. The idea could be for a hair salon, a garden market, an antique shop, or any other business which meets a community need.

The business ownership idea not only works for communities trying to attract business, but it works for residents of large cities who would rather live in small towns. The community they're interested in might not offer a job to fit their talents, but what about them starting a business of their own?

It's a big risk -- as business ventures always have been. But the rewards can be great in terms of living where you want and doing what you like.

Business ownership is already working for a number of small town residents. In the right circumstances, it could work for others as well.