Rural small business owners face challenges that are not generally present in urban locations. As a result, they need training programmes
that are specific to this context. This paper presents a framework for such
a programme. First, the programme is based on the perspective that rural
business owners are strongly motivated, but not necessarily by financial
goals alone. Second, the owners must approach the issue of business
development with the realization that multiple income sources may be
required for business sustainability. Third, the primary resources are the
owners themselves, along with their family, their business and their community – all available locally. Finally, the curriculum is delivered using
examples of successful rural entrepreneurs.