Despite dire statistics of failure, the desire to start a small business has only grown during the pandemic. In 2021, there were 5.4 million small business applications in the U.S., an increase of nearly 60% from 2019.

Behind-the-Scenes events are geared toward business professionals to showcase how arts and culture impact the local economy and can be utilized to retain and attract employees.

The pandemic has made the benefits of living close to family clear, and its impact on remote work has opened the door for families to live closer together – even in communities that may not be able to offer the same job opportunities as large cities. As it turns out, when given the same work opportunities, many families are choosing rural living.

Shepherd’s first-ever coffee shop, Silver Spoon Coffee House, is expected to open during the next few weeks.

Ski areas throughout Michigan are striving to reduce their carbon footprint. Their efforts range from using more efficient snow-making machines to reducing waste and energy consumption. 

A new project of Issue Media Group, RIX focuses on the talent, entrepreneurship, social innovation and community development that is moving rural Michigan forward. Our goal is to identify and lift up the innovative people who are leading impactful work in rural Michigan. 

One of the country's epic dog-sled races — the UP200 — is held every February in the Upper Peninsula. A qualifier for the legendary Iditarod, the UP200 lures about 20 mushers every year and draws thousands of people to the start and finish in Marquette.

Hudsonville native and interior designer Liz Marie Galvan is building a reputation and a following for her Cozy White Cottage home decor ideas.