The Hannah Grimes Blueprint for Thriving Rural Economies

The Hannah Grimes Marketplace and its affiliated Center for Entrepreneurship have developed a proven framework for fostering economic prosperity in rural communities. Their model focuses on local business support, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that empowers small-town economies. It's based in Keene, New Hampshire and located on main street.

Pictures from Hannah Grimes Marketplace.

It's a model that we recommend all small towns try. It doesn't have to be done in a giant building. You can start small and slowly scale up.

1. Supporting Local Businesses

At the heart of the Hannah Grimes model is a commitment to local commerce:

• The Marketplace provides a retail space for over 200 local artisans and entrepreneurs to sell their products.

• The Center for Entrepreneurship offers mentorship, workshops, and incubator programs to help small businesses grow.

• A focus on buying local strengthens the economy by keeping money within the community.

Fun Note: For every dollar spent at a local Ohio business, approximately 68 cents remains within the local economy. This means that for every $100 spent at a local store, about $68 stays in the community, while $43 leaves the community if you shop at a national chain. This concept is often referred to as the "Local Multiplier Effect"

2. Entrepreneurial Development

The Hannah Grimes Center plays a crucial role in nurturing entrepreneurs:

• Business coaching and strategic development programs help startups and established businesses scale sustainably.

• The incubator program provides workspace and resources for emerging businesses.

• Events like the Radically Rural Summit connect entrepreneurs with national networks, fostering collaboration. This is a summit hosted/created by the Hannah Grimes Center.

  
  

3. Community Engagement & Networking

A thriving economy depends on strong community ties:

• The Marketplace hosts events that bring residents and visitors together, celebrating local talent.

• The Radically Rural Network extends beyond New Hampshire, offering year-round connections for rural leaders.

• Public workshops and networking events encourage knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

  
  

4. Sustainable Economic Growth

The Hannah Grimes model prioritizes long-term sustainability:

• Adaptive reuse of buildings transforms vacant spaces into thriving business hubs.

• Local sourcing reduces reliance on mass-produced goods, promoting eco-friendly commerce.

• Educational initiatives ensure that future generations continue to build on the town’s economic success.

Applying the Hannah Grimes model to other small towns can unlock economic potential and foster stronger communities. Here’s how similar strategies can be adapted to different regions:

Pictures from Hannah Grimes Marketplace:

1. Establishing a Local Marketplace

Creating a central hub for small businesses and artisans helps keep commerce local. Towns can:

• Convert vacant buildings into a shared retail space.

• Provide affordable storefronts for entrepreneurs and craft makers.

• Develop a rotating pop-up system where businesses showcase seasonal goods.

  
  

2. Supporting Rural Entrepreneurs

Just like the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship, small towns can nurture businesses through:

• Business incubators that offer mentorship, funding, and networking.

• Training workshops focused on digital marketing, bookkeeping, and customer engagement.

• Microloans and grant programs to help startups with initial costs.

  
  

3. Strengthening Community Connections

Building a culture of collaboration is crucial for economic growth:

• Launch community-driven events to promote local commerce.

• Develop co-working spaces to encourage interaction and idea-sharing.

• Create town-wide social media networks to boost engagement and visibility.

  
  

4. Encouraging Adaptive Reuse

Utilizing existing infrastructure rather than building new developments can make revitalization more accessible:

• Convert underutilized spaces into business hubs, event venues, or shared workshops.

• Restore historic buildings into cultural attractions that drive tourism.

• Promote mixed-use development by integrating storefronts with residential spaces.

  
  

5. Leveraging Digital Tools

To compete in today’s economy, small towns must embrace technology:

• Develop a town marketplace website for local businesses to sell products online.

• Offer online business training to help entrepreneurs transition into the digital space.

• Use social media marketing to attract visitors and generate buzz.

  
  

6. Expanding Through Regional Collaboration

Smaller towns thrive when they work together:

• Partner with nearby communities to create shared business networks.

• Organize regional events to boost tourism and trade.

• Encourage cross-town mentorship programs where successful businesses help startups.

  
  

The Hannah Grimes model provides a strong foundation for revitalizing small-town economies in a way that fosters growth while preserving local identity. With the right investments and community engagement, these strategies can reshape rural areas, turning challenges into opportunities.

Pictures from Hannah Grimes Marketplace: