WE Gather: Courageous Resilience Strengthening Rural Entrepreneurship

Description

In today’s fast-changing environment, rural entrepreneurs are navigating an array of unique and evolving challenges. From geographic isolation and workforce dynamics to supply chain shifts and adapting to the impacts of broader economic and policy trends—resilient leadership is more important than ever. Our August workshop, “Courageous Resilience: Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs,” is designed to meet this moment with heart, tools, and community. You’ll learn how to adapt and thrive through uncertainty using scenario planning, reflective exercises, and practical strategies that go beyond the usual business toolkit. We’ll kick off with a hands-on exercise to map your personal resilience journey, followed by stories from fellow entrepreneurs, tools for leadership transformation, and real-talk peer discussions. Whether you’re building something new or evolving what already exists, this session will help you reconnect with your purpose and lead through change. What to Expect: Tools to manage stress and build emotional resilience Enhanced decision-making and leadership through mindfulness and intention Strategies to align daily actions with your mission and long-term goals Real-world stories of courage, pivots, and reinvention Connection with a community of like-minded rural entrepreneurs Interactive Discussion Tables Include: Manufacturing & retail resilience in shifting markets People-first leadership and culture-building Vision-driven planning for long-term growth Purpose-led decision-making in times of change Speakers and Breakout Sessions: Jamie Billiesbach, Executive Director Colorado SBDC Central Mountains Angelique Smith, Founder CEO, A new Day Solutions Sam Block, Business & Marketing Coach Rob & Sarah Gartzman, Founder's Sweetie's, Hey Sweetie, and The Biker and the Baker P.T. Wood, Board Chair, County Commissioner Lane Wilson, Founder Oveja Negra BIkepacking Pamela Good, Founder Good Skin Matters