My research project is aiming to answer the question "To what extent are current Kansas Department of Commerce revitalization programs effectively minimizing rural out migration in Kansas?"
I want my research to highlight the importance of entrepreneurs in revitalization efforts. My proposed research method is a mixed method approach including both content analysis of the public records of the ongoing Kansas Department of Commerce programs over the past ten years, and also the aforementioned survey that will lead to interviews/focus groups made up of residents of small towns across the state of Kansas. I plan to focus on small business owners, because small towns are dependent on small businesses. Not only do unique businesses aid the economy of a rural town but they also can bring in tourism money from people passing through. It is important to emphasize and investigate the accessibility of running a business in a small town due to the internet and rise of online shopping, something I wish to address in my research.