The Ohio State University Extension Community Development and University of Minnesota Extension and Tourism Center with small grant funding from USDA through the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD) developed a new curriculum for community leaders serving the outdoor recreation sector.
Why outdoor recreation? “Accounting for 2.3 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP.), the Bureau of Economic Analysis calculated the economic output of outdoor recreation to be $1.2 trillion in 2023, surpassing industries such as farming, mining, and utilities. The sector also generates five million quality, high-paying jobs,” (Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, 2025).
The Building Entrepreneur Friendly Communities program helps local leaders understand the contribution of entrepreneurs to the local economy. It also identifies strategies to help grow local entrepreneurs and to position their communities as an environment supportive of and conducive to entrepreneurial success.
This information and understanding also allows community leaders to create a customized strategic plan focused on building an entrepreneur-friendly community.
To learn more, please visit: Outdoor Recreation Sector | Community Development