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Traditional economic development has been about attracting new businesses to come into an area.  We are turning that on its head. 


We know we have talented friends and family who live here, who make up our communities, who already own businesses, who want to start businesses, and who want to improve their communities.  Create Our Future is here to support those economic and community development initiatives. 

Together, we can create our future in Appalachian Ohio -the future we want for ourselves and our next generations.

Stay Up to Date

Sign up for our free monthly newsletter where we highlight upcoming workshops, events, short articles and announcements for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

For those who invest $10/month or $99/year when subscribing, you will also receive a zoom link each week to meet virtually in our Ripple: Small Town Edition program.  In these sessions, rural leaders, change-makers and volunteers will examine the stories we tell ourselves and others about our communities and how that affects our futures.  Additionally, led by our Director, we will talk about ideas and what's working in our small towns across the U.S.  Let's build our network of support and create the future we want in our rural areas!

​​2026 Essay Contest Sponsors:  EQT Foundation, Carnes Insurance Agency, Joe's Tires, The Flower Gardens, East Central Ohio ESC, Woodsfield Savings Bank, ICR, and PNC Bank.

Community Survey Results

Does your business idea fit with what the community says it wants?

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