Community Design

Some towns seem to grow entrepreneurship, or creativity, or world class athletes. You might think there is something in the water - but it's more than that. There's something in the design.

A smart community plans to achieve goals through short and long-term strategies of their community design. Here are some resources that can help you:

• The Minnesota Design Team A volunteer group of architects, landscape architects, urban designers, planners and other experts in design and community development that helps communities develop shared visions for improving their physical and environmental designs.
• Center for Rural Design Focuses on diverse physical, social, and economic problems facing rural Minnesota.
• Center for Small Towns A community outreach program housed at the University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) and serves as a point-of-entry to the resources of the University of Minnesota
• National Main Street The Center has led the preservation-based revitalization movement by serving as the nation's clearinghouse for information, technical assistance, research, and advocacy.

Four Community Cornerstones

To create an environment for small businesses, a community must provide four solid cornerstones to build a base that supports small businesses:

Health Care - people need affordable access to health care providers, which means providing access to affordable health insurance and medical care

Community Design - most of our communities were physically designed to support economic activities and engines of an earlier era -- whether driven by the railroad or the auto or heavy industry. 21st century economies are more diverse and often dependent on the growth of creative small businesses. Community design should foster both planned and spontaneous connection places -- from social hubs like community centers, coffee shops and downtown post offices, or shared areas for business process, such as community business centers with access to copiers, office supplies, and office assistance. Communities need to plan for interrelated use and personal and community enrichment -- from libraries that work for schools and citizens alike to recreation areas and trails that promote healthy active living opportunities for residents of all ages and attract visitors, too.

Finance - businesses need to access and understand lenders, investors, and grantors

Creative Capital - Lifelong educational opportunities, arts & culture are investments necessary to generate creativity and develop new knowledge. They are elements crucial to entrepreneurial development and are essential to business and citizen retention over the long-term.

Interesting in having your logo here?

MEG is a nonprofit initiative. We are looking for sponsors. If you are interested please contact Jane Leonard by email or phone (651-645-9403).

Order a Community Playbook to guide your community towards better support of entrepreneurs.