Rural American Recovery: The Role of Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship

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EventID=112891

One in five Americans lives in a rural area and Main Street businesses are the backbone of those communities across the nation. Even before the pandemic, these entrepreneurs faced unique challenges compared to their urban counterparts. Among the top challenges are geographic isolation, inadequate broadband internet service, difficulty in hiring and retaining qualified workers, barriers to capital and reluctance from major industries to provide service in rural areas. Despite these challenges, rural firms continue to innovate, invest in their communities, and drive the economic rebirth after the pandemic but they need support. This hearing will give Members of the Committee the opportunity to hear about the benefits small firms bring to rural communities, difficulties they face, and how the SBA plays a role in supporting them, such as through the Office of Rural Affairs.