Against the Grain

It is becoming clear to researchers why entrepreneurs§choose to locate in large metropolitan areas. Deep§business networks, an abundance of diverse capital§sources, and a lifestyle that attracts young§knowledge workers contribute to the robust§entrepreneurial environment of global cities. But§what of less-populated places? Often the site of§economic decline, smaller cities and boroughs boast a§more leisurely lifestyle, low start-up and operations§costs, and plenty of under-served customers for many§products and services. Yet, entrepreneurship is§often sluggish in these smaller places, where§national chains have forced many "Main Street"§businesses into bankruptcy. Despite these urban§trends, some entrepreneurs still choose to locate in§less-populated areas. AGAINST THE GRAIN investigates§the motivations of over forty entrepreneurs to§determine what motivated them to locate their§business in a small town. Set in rural Pennsylvania,§a diverse economy impacted by the disappearance of§many small town businesses, this monograph examines§individual and ecological motivations for choosing a§location, and proposes ways to encourage more§entrepreneurs to locate in small-town America.