Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship
Recommended Content
AgritourismSD Program
AgritourismSD is an intensive educational program designed to provide farmers and ranchers with the opportunity to create an enterprise that utilizes resources in different ways to generate new income streams.
Small Business Basics
The Small Business Basics program covers an extensive list of topics, including writing or updating business plans, tax and licensing, employee relations, pricing and marketing, customer service, social media, and aspects of financing.
Challenges Facing Rural Grocery Stores in the Midwest and Impacts on Rural Communities in South Dakota
Throughout history, local markets have been the lifeblood of communities. Yet in recent years, that steady pulse has weakened as economic and social changes challenge their survival, leaving many communities scrambling to revive what was once their economic heart.
Saving the Small-Town Grocery Store: A community investment in the future
Throughout rural South Dakota, grocery stores do far more than provide access to food. They create jobs, generate local tax revenue, support community activities, and serve as gathering places where neighbors connect.
More Than a Store: What happens when a rural grocery closes?
When a rural community loses its grocery store, the impact extends far beyond the loss of a business. While residents may still be able to purchase some household necessities elsewhere, the loss of a local grocery store can affect food access, community well-being, and economic vitality.
The Rural Grocery Squeeze: Why small-town stores are fighting to survive
Rural grocery stores are pillars of small communities where people can meet up on the weekend to share a donut, grab a gallon of milk, or do their weekly shopping. Yet economic and social changes are making it increasingly difficult for these businesses to survive.
Community
Resources to support communities, organizations, leaders and businesses.
Small Business Basics @ Wall
SDSU Extension and the Wall Economic Development Corporation will host a Small Business Basics workshop every Monday from October 26 through November 30 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Wall Community Center (501 Main St., Wall, SD 57790).
South Dakota Agritourism Workshop
SDSU Extension and its partner will host an Agritourism Workshop on February 9-10, 2027, at the World's Only Corn Palace (604 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301).
Growing Connections: An Organizational Map of the South Dakota Local Food System
Behind every farmer’s market, community supported agriculture share, or local food event is a network of advocates, educators, and organizations that make it all possible. The South Dakota Local Food System map illustrates the organizations that strengthen local food through a variety of roles and functions.
SDSU Extension experts to attend 2026 Dakotafest
July 22, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension experts will attend the 2026 Dakotafest trade show in Mitchell, providing educational resources and hands-on activities for a variety of topics.
Building and Retaining a Skilled Agricultural Workforce: Challenges and Strategies
Building a strong, motivated workforce is essential to the future of agriculture. A team from SDSU Extension is exploring the challenges and opportunities facing our agricultural community.