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Dave Anderson, President, Mt. Vernon Economic Development Group

South Dakota Newcomers Survey Report

Results from the 2024 state-wide Newcomer Survey, which was administered to gain a better understanding of the newcomer population in South Dakota.

Deadwood, South Dakota buildings with Black Hills in the background

Community

Resources to support communities, organizations, leaders and businesses.

2021 Energize! Conference attendees gathered outside a brick building.

Energize!

The Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference is designed to empower South Dakota’s rural communities by inviting them to network with community leaders from across the state to share success stories, get new ideas and take action to improve their own communities.

two men and one woman standing with a presentation check

South Dakota Small Business Basics Program Participant Earns Award in Business Plan Contest

July 14, 2020

Heather Solberg of Volga has been awarded $500 to put toward a business plan concept she developed while participating in the Small Business Basics program coordinated by SDSU Extension.

A young native american man handing a customer a canvas bag.

Native American Gardens

Learn more about Native American community garden projects throughout South Dakota and access helpful resources with information on starting up Native American community garden projects.

a group of people gathered after a conference

Agritourism Workshop helps South Dakota producers identify opportunities

March 27, 2020

Opportunities in agritourism for South Dakota farmers and ranchers were shared at the Agritourism Workshop held Feb. 20-21 in Pierre.

A small town main street.

Energize! Conference Rescheduled to October 7-8, 2020 in Milbank, SD

October 25, 2021

SDSU Extension is rescheduling the third annual Energize Conference to October 7-8, 2020 in order to comply with CDC guidelines and to protect the population from COVID-19.

2021 Energize! Conference attendees gathered outside a brick building.

Third Annual 'Energize!' Conference Sees Sustained Success

October 26, 2021

An opportunity to hear about successful revitalizations, community projects and business opportunities, this year’s Energize! Conference drew more than 100 people.

A Little Free Library book box along a sidewalk in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Opportunities for Addressing Book Deserts in Rural Communities

By fostering a culture for reading, placing books into community spaces, and partnering with libraries to extend their reach, rural communities can transform book deserts into book-rich environments.

A mean in a red button-up shirt smiles for the camera

Nebraska entrepreneur announced as 2026 Energize conference keynote

March 06, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce Nebraska Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame member Craig Schroeder as the 2026 Energize conference keynote speaker.