Successful small towns have engaged citizens, community pride, and a willingness to take risks. They make the town beautiful in ways that serve the community. Leaders in struggling towns often hope recruiting a large manufacturer will bring prosperity. Unfortunately, limited resources necessitate frugal, creative planning. Pet businesses, niche markets, collaborating with other businesses, and excellent customer service can also help small towns thrive.
The social good of small towns is being “dissolved, diluted, and submerged.” Small towns have potential to be rich, unique, and successful. Key attributes for success are high quality of life, diverse businesses, family-friendly amenities, and affordability.
Technology helps small town businesses reach wider audiences and streamline operations. For a small town business, a homely, modest space works better than something glitzy. Pet grooming and boarding taps into a growing industry. If people travel elsewhere for these services, a local business can save them time and money.
Partnerships with neighbors, grants, and volunteers’ expertise can maximize impact. Niche markets, collaborating with other businesses, excellent customer service, and embracing technology also help small towns thrive.
Get involved, build agency relationships, recognize ZIP codes don’t matter. Make your town an experience town. Invite participation and ask for aid. An engaged citizenship, community pride, a forward-thinking approach, and willingness to take risks help towns fare better. Faulkton, SD’s motto "We believe in possible" fits a thriving small town with big city amenities thanks to engaged citizens.