Rural LISC

The Ozarks are a great place to celebrate and our partners at Ozarks Small Business Incubator () are great partners to celebrate with!

OzSBI's LaunchU program helps entrepreneurs like Mary Palmer of Mary's Little Lambs strengthen their operations, expand their reach and build a more sustainable business.

Learn more about our BDO partnerships at https://www.lisc.org/rural/our-work/workforce-development/business-development-organizations/

Happy ! We're celebrating by featuring of our partners. Rural BDOs like Mountain BizWorks Works in Asheville, NC are critical in developing the infrastructure and know-how to support and Entrepreneurs in Rural Communities.

Learn more about our work with BDOs at https://www.lisc.org/rural/our-work/workforce-development/business-development-organizations/

Proposed Change to Rural Housing Program Would Address Looming Preservation Crisis — Shelterforce The federal rural rental assistance program would be extended in the proposed federal housing bills—with an important rule change.

The next stop on the brings us to Youngstown, a city shaped by its industrial past and ongoing economic transition. Once a major center for steel production, Youngstown reflects the realities many legacy communities face - adapting to workforce shifts while working to create new pathways for growth and stability.

This stop highlights the work of The National Center for Urban Solutions and its service arm, NCUSolutions. NCUSolutions is a mission-driven organization focused on equipping individuals and organizations with the tools for long-term success.
Through tailored workforce training, financial education, and leadership development, NCUSolutions aligns career pathways with employer needs - offering certifications, job placement, and ongoing support. Its partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and educational institutions help ensure that individuals are not only prepared for employment, but positioned to grow within their careers.
While based in an urban setting, this work contributes to a broader regional ecosystem supporting economic mobility and workforce development strategies that extend into surrounding communities.

This stop reflects how targeted workforce and financial capability efforts can help communities navigate change and build toward a more stable future.
See snapshots of the entire virtual roadtrip at the homepage of the Rural FOC network, https://www.lisc.org/rural/our-work/workforce-development/financial-opportunity-center/