You don't need a booming city to build a booming business.
You need the right approach… one that's built for the way small towns actually work.

This guide is here to help you get started fast… no corporate buzzwords, no expensive consultants… just a clear action plan built for entrepreneurs like you.

Let's dive in:

1. Stop Thinking “Big City Rules” Apply to You

Most business advice you see online is written for big cities:

• Huge customer bases

• Tons of foot traffic

• Endless corporate budgets

That’s not your world… and that’s a good thing.

Small towns reward trust over hype… service over scale.
The sooner you realize this, the faster you'll win.

2. Solve an Immediate, Local Problem First

Forget "changing the world" on Day 1.
Start by solving a real, local pain point you can see around you.

Ask yourself:

• What do people around me already complain about?

• Where are they already spending money (even if it’s inconvenient)?

• What do they wish was faster, closer, easier, or better?

Rural businesses that win aren't trying to invent demand.
They’re just stepping into gaps that already exist.

Quick Example:
One of our members launched a drive-thru coffee shop in a town with no Starbucks.
First-day sales? Over $6,000.

Not because coffee was new… but because convenience was missing.

3. Start Tiny (and Build Fast)

You don’t need a huge building, a big staff, or a bank loan to begin.
You need a simple, scrappy version of your idea that gets in front of real customers quickly.

This is called a Minimum Viable Offer (MVO).

Your MVO = the smallest version of your idea that can still deliver real value.

Examples:

• Dreaming of a boutique clothing store? Start with 25 handpicked items and a pop-up shop.

• Want to run a consulting business? Book 3 paid clients before you build a website.

• Thinking about a restaurant? Try a booth at a local event or farmers market first.

The goal isn't perfection… it's proof.

4. Make It Personal

In a small town, you’re not just a brand.
You're a neighbor.

That’s your superpower.

Do this early:

• Introduce yourself by name everywhere you can.

• Tell people why you’re doing this… your personal “why” matters here.

• Celebrate your customers… tag them in posts, thank them publicly, make it about them.

In small towns, marketing isn't about broadcasting. It's about belonging.

5. Build Momentum, Not Masterpieces

You don’t need to "get everything right" before you launch.
You just need to move forward every week.

Simple wins add up fast:

• Post on Facebook once a day

• Hand out flyers at the high school football game

• Partner with another local business for a giveaway

• Join a Chamber of Commerce event

Every small action you take makes the next one easier.

Final Words:

You have everything you need… right where you are.
Your town. Your neighbors. Your ideas. Your work ethic.

The Ruralpreneur journey isn’t about building a business that looks good online.
It’s about building a business that works in real life.

And that's exactly what we're here to help you do.

Stay tuned — we’ve got a lot more coming your way.

- Tance
Founder, The Ruralpreneur