Document Type

Poster Session

Department

Business

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Emily Newell

Keywords

Social capital, workforce development, rural economy

Abstract

The objective of this project is to create a model of and mechanism for statewide, systematic data collection to support workforce development pathways for P-20 students in rural Maine to ensure the long-term vitality and success of these communities. Businesses, as sites of financial and social capital development, can be more thoughtfully calibrated to local workforce needs in these communities. However, data is not currently made available to businesses and community leaders that would allow them to make thoughtful decisions about how to use community resources and time in order to create these partnerships. Businesses and economic growth in rural communities are intertwined–the development of the community is intrinsically linked to the success of its small businesses, and without qualified and educated workers businesses cannot thrive (Bird, Sapp, & Lee, 2001; Schafft, 2016; Tigges & Green, 1994). Despite challenges in providing a quality education and business opportunities, these communities still have the potential to be successful in the long-term. Through a series of semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in two rural Maine communities the researchers will utilize their preliminary research to gain a deeper understanding of the towns and collect data through the interviews in order to aid the economic development of businesses in the communities.

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Creating a Healthy Rural Ecosystem for Community Vitality: Developing Rural Community Business Research

The objective of this project is to create a model of and mechanism for statewide, systematic data collection to support workforce development pathways for P-20 students in rural Maine to ensure the long-term vitality and success of these communities. Businesses, as sites of financial and social capital development, can be more thoughtfully calibrated to local workforce needs in these communities. However, data is not currently made available to businesses and community leaders that would allow them to make thoughtful decisions about how to use community resources and time in order to create these partnerships. Businesses and economic growth in rural communities are intertwined–the development of the community is intrinsically linked to the success of its small businesses, and without qualified and educated workers businesses cannot thrive (Bird, Sapp, & Lee, 2001; Schafft, 2016; Tigges & Green, 1994). Despite challenges in providing a quality education and business opportunities, these communities still have the potential to be successful in the long-term. Through a series of semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in two rural Maine communities the researchers will utilize their preliminary research to gain a deeper understanding of the towns and collect data through the interviews in order to aid the economic development of businesses in the communities.

 

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