Rural Businesses Thrive Online: 200k Jobs, $140B Boost Expected
Rural small businesses are increasingly turning to digital platforms for growth, with nearly 20% generating at least 80% of their revenue online. This shift, driven by improved access to technology, could create over 360,000 jobs and contribute over $140 billion to the U.S. economy in the next three years.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, economic innovation alliances like the Innovation Alliance Baden-Württemberg, and digital industry organizations such as Bitkom are working together to enhance access to digital technologies for rural businesses. They offer legal adaptations for digital retail, funding for tech adoption, and support for digital infrastructure in municipalities.
These efforts are paying off. Around 33% of rural businesses now sell through their own websites, and 16% sell internationally via digital platforms. Over half of rural business owners report that online tools have positively affected their revenue and helped grow their customer base. However, challenges remain, with two-thirds of rural small businesses citing slow internet or mobile connectivity as a barrier to further growth.
The digital transformation of rural small businesses is well underway, with significant economic benefits already realized. With continued support from authorities and industry organizations, and efforts to address connectivity issues, rural businesses can continue to thrive in the digital age.
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