Rural Entrepreneur in Residence
Jackson County Library Services
Innovation Synopsis
In partnership with A Greater Applegate (AGA), Jackson County Library Services launched the grant-supported Rural Entrepreneur in Residence (REIR) program to strengthen the Applegate Valley’s business ecosystem. This initiative formalizes peer mentoring and provides targeted resources for local entrepreneurs. Two paid Entrepreneurs in Residence serve four-month terms, offering personalized mentoring, monthly business skills classes, and signature events featuring local industry leaders—all designed to foster sustainable economic growth in a uniquely rural context.
Challenge/Opportunity
The Applegate Valley spans 500 square miles across three counties and two states, with no formal municipal structure and limited access to consistent services or funding. Local businesses face unique challenges, including:
• Infrastructure Gaps: Limited internet connectivity and transportation; limited facilities.
• Talent Shortages: Small labor pool; difficulty attracting skilled workers.
• Market Limitations: Small customer base; limited scalability.
• Isolation from Networks: Few mentorship or collaboration opportunities.
• Regulatory Barriers: Complex permitting; limited awareness of support.
• Cultural Factors: Resistance to outside influence; high value on local expertise.
The REIR program addresses these challenges by leveraging trusted local voices and fostering community-driven economic development.
Key Elements of Innovation
• Structure: Two local entrepreneurs serve four-month, paid terms as EIRs.
• Activities:
- Up to 10 hours/month of mentoring for a 6–10 person cohort.
- Monthly business skills classes (e.g., marketing, pricing, resilience).
- Signature events featuring local industry leaders.
• Partners: A Greater Applegate (AGA), local business networks. AGA is a nonprofit community-building organization.
• Innovation:
- Specialized, rural-focused EIR model that delivers library services and resources.
- Formalized peer mentoring rooted in local expertise.
- Integration with library services and AGA’s resource network to expand impact county-wide.
- Amplifies visibility of library and community support systems.
This program focuses on elevating and leveraging existing local knowledge and resources. Rather than relying on outside expertise, this community-driven approach empowers local entrepreneurs to lead and mentor, laying the groundwork for a sustainable business ecosystem in an underserved area
Achieved Outcomes
• Progress:
- Two EIRs selected (April 2025).
- Classes scheduled (Sept–Oct 2025).
• Metrics:
- Weekly check-ins with EIRs.
- Tracking of mentoring sessions and businesses served.
- Pre/post surveys to assess impact and improve programming.
• Partnerships:
- Strengthened collaboration with AGA.
- Enhanced visibility of SBDC, Illinois Valley Community Development Fund, and other support organizations.
- Expanded library role in local economic development.
“Participants in the REIR program are clearly engaged, asking good questions, and enthusiastic about the insights and guidance they are receiving in the program. I have been very impressed with the quality of the presentations in both delivery and content." -Jeff Haas, AGA Business Network Coordinator
"The Rural Entrepreneur Program has had a great impact on me as a new, first-time business owner. [JCLS] has given me the tools to find and use resources through the library that I didn't even know existed."
-Collin Bradley
