Rural entrepreneurs turn stereotypes on their head

Tina Metzer writes how rural entrepreneurship stands in direct opposition to antiquated tropes, building vibrant, inclusive economies in their communities.

Written by Tina Metzer

September 20, 2022

Stereotype: Entrepreneurs are young, white, urban, and wealthy

The 2020 U.S. Census confirmed that rural communities have seen increased diversity in their racial make-up. Twenty-two percent of rural residents are people of color, and those numbers continue to increase. Rural communities are not a monolith; entrepreneurs in these areas reflect their peers and strengthen their rural communities …

Rural communities are not a monolith.

Standing in direct opposition to the trope of “startup bro” is the fact that Black women make up the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs. One such entrepreneur is Sheila Ellis-Glasper, founder and marketing strategist of SEG Media Collective. Located in her home state of Kansas, Ellis-Glasper has a rich background in entrepreneurship and business development through marketing. As a demonstration to her advocacy for underrepresented businesses and economic justice, she founded the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, a nonprofit that empowers, equips, and connects Black-owned businesses in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. Ellis-Glasper’s contribution to the rural entrepreneurial ecosystem of her region was recognized in 2021 with the Minority Business Advocate of the Year award from the State of Kansas Department of Commerce.