Last Wednesday, the Rural Entrepreneurship Mission visited Fairfield, and town with a population of less than 10,000 people. It provided a treasure chest of knowledge. We visited several local businesses and met with community leaders who had been key in developing Fairfield into what it is, the homecoming queen of small entrepreneurship towns.
The city may not have what I would call a system, but they have successfully developed a platform combining entrepreneurship organizations, a university that brings in fascinating people that would otherwise overlook such a small town, and the creativity that comes from a art-focused community.
One interesting resident is Burt Chojnowski, a recognized thought leader in community entreprenurial development. Check out http://www.brainbelt.com to see his consulting firm's site.
