Building sustainable rural communities through entrepreneurship: A study of Saranac Lake, New York

This study examines how entrepreneurship development fits into contemporary community development strategies, specifically in rural communities. Information gathered through a literature review and examination of case studies form the theoretical framework for identifying the community attributes that support rural entrepreneurship development as well as identifying the barriers that inhibit its development. This framework is used to analyze conditions present in one rural community -- Saranac Lake, New York. Opinions and perceptions about entrepreneurship development have been collected from Saranac Lake entrepreneurs and measured against "best practices" discovered through the literature review. The comparative analysis forms the basis for measuring the likelihood of successful entrepreneurship development in Saranac Lake. The results of the study are intended to assist this rural community in its quest for economic and community development.