USASBE Rural Research Fellows Selected

To help drive discussion and research around rural entrepreneurship and small business resiliency, the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship® (USASBE), in partnership with the Miller School of Entrepreneurship, recently announced the following scholars as the inaugural cohort of USASBE Rural Research Fellows:

• Wendy Chen, Texas Tech University,
• Erik Monsen, University of Vermont, and
• Simona Zollet, Hiroshima University.

USASBE Rural Research Fellowships program was announced earlier in 2021. The program will engage in a yearlong experience to increase academic awareness around entrepreneurship and small business resiliency as vital economic development strategies for teaching and learning in rural communities and small towns.

“Traditional economic development strategies have failed to address the specific needs of rural communities and small towns,” said Dr. Mike Harris, director, Miller School of Entrepreneurship. “The ecosystems, social networks and information flows are unique in these regions. Important aspects of economic development in rural communities and small towns include small business resiliency and entrepreneurship.”

“Students are often seen as potential employees and not so much potential employers. This is a narrative that needs to change, especially in rural America,” said Dr. Dennis Barber, assistant professor, Miller School of Entrepreneurship. “Many students are nascent and aspiring entrepreneurs. Once equipped with the proper mindset, introduced to impactful networks, connected with mentors and shown the value of rural small towns, they can immediately inspire transformation on main streets all across the country and the world.”

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• Miller School of Entrepreneurship