Rural communities are being drastically affected as the national economy begins to both shrink and restructure its values. This change takes place following the already difficult period of financial strife that was faced by regional economies during the coronavirus outbreak. Businesses have not only had to manage mandatory closures, employee isolations, and supplier difficulties but have also had to remodel their services and products to meet the needs of a new society.
Now, as we move forward, communities and their entrepreneurs are looking to revive their local areas with new and vital businesses. In addition to the recovery of ubiquitous sectors, such as hospitality and retail, there is now room for other businesses to grow in rural areas too. Experts, such as Mark Lumsdon Taylor, are already seeing positive growth in such communities, seeing and supporting the return of strengthened and localised economies. Here are six examples of rural business ideas that have the potential to prosper.
Food Waste Management
Those in cities will be familiar with council and enterprise run initiatives to compost residential food waste. However, in more rural areas, these schemes are not as common. Now that climate change is at the forefront of everybody’s mind, and given that food waste is a significant contributor to individual carbon footprints, food waste management concepts are becoming more sought after.
Digital Infastructure
The pandemic has created a huge number of remote working positions, including within rural areas. However, despite this change in employment, rural areas don’t have the same digital infrastructure as their urban counterparts. There is now significant demand for internet services, computer repairs, and IT support groups in regional and rural communities.
Graphic Designer
As rural businesses rebrand, new start-ups appear, and more independent concepts look to gain a greater online presence, graphic designers are being widely sought to support their individual and successful branding. For graphic designers who are able to better understand the needs and impact of local businesses, typically those who are local, this is incredibly positive.
Gardening Services
During the national lockdowns, a number of residents looked to move away from urban areas and use their teleworking positions to find a home within a rural area. Part of their motivation is to revel in a large garden space, enjoying their own patch of private outdoor land. The upkeep, however, comes as quite a shock to many, which is why there is now significant demand for local gardeners.
Delivery Services
Integration has often been difficult for rural businesses, specifically because they are far from other enterprises. Regions, however, prosper because of their ability to connect with other residents and businesses, making delivery services invaluable to their success.
Green Technology
Whether residents are looking to use their rural home as a point of solar power or residents would like access to electric car charging stations, green technology demands are high and especially so in rural areas where life is more integrated within the local ecology. For eco-friendly start-ups, this is great news.