Inspiring rural leaders: 2025 Rural Ideas Summer set for September 18

The second annual Rural Ideas Summit is set for Thursday, September 18, bringing together rural entrepreneurs, community changemakers, and local leaders for a day of learning, inspiration, and action. This one-day, virtual-first event is dedicated to equipping participants with proven strategies, real-world stories, and practical tools to help rural businesses grow and communities thrive.

The Works is proud to once again serve as one of a handful of in-person host sites across the country. While the summit’s content will be delivered virtually, attendees who choose the The Works location will enjoy a lunch discussion session, local networking opportunities, and a post-summit social hour from 4–5 p.m. featuring snacks and beverages from local providers.

This year’s Rural Ideas Summit will feature three powerful content tracks:
• Entrepreneur Track - Hear from rural business owners who’ve built, pivoted, and thrived, and walk away with actionable insights to help grow a new or existing venture.
• Community Development Track - Learn strategies for creating vibrant, future-ready rural places where people want to live and work.
• Proven Projects Track - Get inspired by completed initiatives with measurable impact; real stories of rural innovation in action.

The Rural Ideas Summit is more than a conference - it’s a platform for connection, collaboration, and forward momentum in rural communities. Whether attendees are entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, or community advocates, they’ll find tools, ideas, and partners to help them make a difference.

Registration is open at ruralideas.net/summit. When registering, be sure to select The Works to participate in-person.