Local Economic Development

A quick note on local economic development:
1. Assess what local resources and skills you have to start with.
2. Do field visits to look for markets, what is in demand and with in reach.
3. Start small to demonstrate success, to test the idea & build confidence.
4. Require investment of time, money, materials from the people themselves.
5. Then, supplement with small amounts of capital to learn economics.
6. Build support and accountability among a small group of venturers.
7. Be looking for and expect a breakthrough...when it comes, Move!
8. Don't let the effort depend on you. Pass on all responsibilities asap.
9. Connect the local effort to others in the area for economies of scale, globally for motivation, and the environment for sustainability.
10. Pray a lot...especially over the viability and integrity of the effort.

~Sherwood Shankland