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.