This paper studies “entrepreneurial communities” using both quantitative and qualitative data from the state of Oklahoma. Household-level survey data and community-specific characteristics are used to determine what factors affect whether a rural community operates in an entrepreneurial manner. Case studies from successful rural communities provide a more qualitative viewpoint of the factors that lead to entrepreneurial activity.
This paper takes an empirical approach to determining the effect that a critical access hospital (CAH) has on local retail activity. Previous research on the relationship between hospitals and economic development has primarily focused on single-case, multiplier oriented analysis. The positive empirical results provide additional evidence on the far-reaching economic development impacts of CAHs. The results also emphasize the importance of continued support for these rural institutions, including federal and state subsidies.
