Resources and community participants came together to share ideas for the future and their businesses at the four Dakota Rising Site Entrepreneur Fairs during October. South Dakota Rural Enterprise president Beth Davis and Vice President of Development Rey Gonzales attended each fair and presented the Dakota Rising Rural Entrepreneur Fellowship opportunity.

"The most exciting thing about the Fairs was the sense of enthusiasm and promise expressed by the people who attended," Davis said. "There was a genuine sense that Dakota Rising is going to make a difference for individuals, businesses and the communities."

In addition to motivational speakers and presentations detailing the Dakota Rising program, resource booths represented organizations which provide services to aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses, including the South Dakota Small Business Development Center, Value Added Ag Center, Small Business Administration, the Governor's Office of Economic Development, regional revolving loan funds, and local banks, attorneys, and other resources.

The keynote speaker at each of the four Entrepreneur Fairs was David Williamson, author of Pie in the Sky-and a Fork Big Enough to Reach It! Williamson, a creativity consultant and motivational speaker, addressed his remarks to business owners ready to take the necessary steps to grow their local companies.

"Dakota Rising is really about leveraging the great ideas and powerful potential in the people and businesses in our communities," Davis said. "We're looking for entrepreneurs who have the fire to utilize the resources available and make a difference in South Dakota's future."

The next step for Dakota Rising is the selection of the first round of Rural Entrepreneur Fellows.

2008 AUTUMN REPORT
	Entrepreneur Fairs focus on the future
	South Dakota heritage will serve us well today
	Development Institute provides creative networking opportunities
	CVAC communities are building success
	SAVE THE DATE
	Positive actions for troubled economic times
	Qualifying is easier for the 2008 Dakotas America New Markets Tax Credit allocation
	New Markets Tax Credit Low Income Communities by County
	Gregory and Lakota Fund receive "Success Stories" awards