2026 Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium
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Colorado Mesa University, located in beautiful Grand Junction, Colorado, is excited to host the 2026 Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium in June! This comes after a successful 2025 symposium at Iowa State University. Seen as the signature event for USASBE’s Rural Entrepreneurship Special Interest Group, but open to all who are interested in entrepreneurship and innovation in rural areas, the symposium is June 9-11 (Tuesday through Thursday) in and around the western Colorado region.
With a recognition that rural communities have unique needs, roadblocks, and opportunities when it comes to community development and entrepreneurship, the USASBE Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium was created as a way to convene people across the country that were focused on researching, teaching, and supporting entrepreneurship in rural communities.
The USASBE Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium will bring together educators at the K-12 level all the way to higher education, community and economic development organizations, entrepreneurs, and the larger community ecosystem to share best practices, discuss issues, highlight solutions, and build community and networks.
Click here to sign up for email updates!
Invited Tracks
We are inviting the following submission types:
- Research in Rural Entrepreneurship
- Teaching Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas
- Ecosystem Programming for Rural Entrepreneurship
- Case Studies of Rural Entrepreneurs
Focus Areas
Additionally, the 2026 USASBE Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium will feature the unique ecosystem around Grand Junction and Western Colorado. We are encouraging submissions around the following themes, which will be highlighted during our tours during the symposium.
- Agriculture
- Outdoor Recreation
- Community Partnerships
About Grand Junction and Colorado Mesa University
Named for the confluence of the Gunnison and Grand (later renamed Colorado) rivers, the community was one of the last settled in Colorado when it was opened up to settlement in 1881. It has seen a number of boom and bust cycles based in energy extraction in the region from uranium mining to oil shale development to natural gas drilling. According to the Grand Junction Economic Partnership: Nestled between the snow-capped Rocky Mountains and the stunning Moab desert, Colorado’s Grand Junction area embraces western work ethic and new-age innovation. Grand Junction is where small-town hospitality meets big-city accessibility. It’s home to a flourishing economy, a nation-leading labor supply, seven federally designated opportunity zones and an attainable cost of living.
Grand Junction is the largest community between Denver, Colorado, and Salt Lake City, Utah, both of which are 250 miles away. The metropolitan area is home to over 100,000 people and serves as a regional hub for a population exceeding 300,000. The local economy is diverse and key drivers include tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, health care, energy development and retail.
There is no other place in Colorado where you can experience the outdoors so close to town: Mountains. Rivers. Canyons. Lakes. High Desert. Forests. The powerful rivers course through the valley and are the perfect playground for paddlers, anglers and rafters. The surreal canyonlands and high-altitude alpine forests provide thousands of trails and striking scenery that captivates hikers, bikers and OHV riders in Grand Junction, CO. With over 1.5 million acres to explore and 76 percent of the area being public land, Grand Junction boasts unforgettable Colorado experiences within a short drive time and without the crowds!
Colorado Mesa University is celebrating it’s 100th year as an institution. With 10,000 students, 200+ programs and 100% of classes taught by dedicated faculty (not teaching or graduate assistants), this is a Human Scale University. CMU serves as a model of the world we want to create — a world where people aspire to love, extend dignity, choose courage, demonstrate humility, develop resilience, celebrate curiosity and use power for good.
Registration Options
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Registration Options
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Price |
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2026 USASBE Rural Entrep. Sym. Ticket Only
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$595.00 |
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2026 USASBE Rural Entrep. Sym. Ticket+Membership
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$780.00 |
Call for Submissions
The call for submissions for the 2026 USASBE Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium is here! Please review the various track descriptions and start your submission at the corresponding button. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2026 at 11:59PM Pacific Time. The submissions Chair for the 2026 Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium is Dr. Erik Monsen at University of Vermont.
Research in Rural Entrepreneurship Track View Template Here
Deadline to submit for this track is April 1, 2026 at 11:59PM Pacific Time
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The Research in Rural Entrepreneurship Track is designed for researchers who are exploring the dynamics of entrepreneurship and small business, in the context of small towns and rural areas. In addition to presenting their specific research findings, we ask that during the presentation, scholars discuss how their research findings more broadly inform rural entrepreneurship research, teaching, and ecosystems. Presentations will consist of presenting a 10-15 minute summary of the research and answering questions from participants for a total of a 20-minute presentation.
Teaching Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas Track View Template Here
Deadline to submit for this track is April 1, 2026 at 11:59PM Pacific Time
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The Teaching Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas Track is designed for rural entrepreneurship educators to demonstrate classroom or curricular experiences that are relevant for rural entrepreneurship and the learning experience. In addition to presenting their specific research findings, we ask that presenters also discuss how their exercises more broadly inform rural entrepreneurship research, teaching, and ecosystems. Presentations will consist of presenting a 10-15 minute summary of the educational experience and answering questions from participants for a total of a 20-minute presentation.
Ecosystem Programming for Rural Entrepreneurship Track View Template Here
Deadline to submit for this track is April 1, 2026 at 11:59PM Pacific Time
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The Ecosystem Programming for Rural Entrepreneurship Track is designed for rural entrepreneurship ecosystem builders to showcase innovative co-curricular and community-focused programs. This track is also appropriate for community programs designed for community members or non-traditional student populations and may or may not be credit-bearing. In addition to presenting their innovative program, we ask that presenters also discuss how their program more broadly informs rural entrepreneurship research, teaching, and ecosystems. Presentations will consist of presenting a 10-15 minute summary of the ecosystem program and answering questions from participants for a total of a 20-minute presentation.
Case Studies of Rural Entrepreneurs Track View Template Here
Deadline to submit for this track is April 1, 2026 at 11:59PM Pacific Time
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The Case Studies of Rural Entrepreneurs Track is designed for researchers, educators, ecosystem builders, and rural entrepreneurs who have developed a case study that tells a story about, provides insights into, and communicates lessons learned about rural entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. In addition to presenting an insightful case study, we ask that presenters consider how their topic might engage audience members interested in rural entrepreneurship policy, research, teaching, training and ecosystem practice. Presentations will consist of presenting a 10-15 minute summary of the educational experience and answering questions from participants for a total of a 20-minute presentation.
Monday, June 8:
- Cocktail Reception – 4-6pm Hotel Maverick
Tuesday, June 9:
- Welcome
- Keynote address
- Presentation sessions
- Lunch
- Presentation sessions
- Travel to Palisade – Colorado Wine Country
- Community entrepreneurs and agricultural tour
- Dinner in Palisade, Colorado
Wednesday, June 10:
- Opening remarks from CMU Leadership
- Presentation sessions
- Lunch
- Presentation sessions
- Travel through Colorado National Monument
- Dinner in Fruita, CO at world famous Hot Tomato
Thursday, June 11:
- Presentation sessions
- Lunch
- Presentation sessions
- Downtown Grand Junction tour
- Dinner in downtown Grand Junction
Friday, June 12:
- Breakfast sendoff at Hotel Maverick
- Optional local adventures and tours - CMU’s own Outdoor Program will be organizing three guided group events across the Grand Valley on Friday to showcase the exceptional outdoor access of our communities and provide a better glimpse into the natural environment and history of our region. Please fill out this form to express your interest in any of these excursions. We will collect payment on June 9th during the symposium.
- Group Hike to the Mica Mine (AM) - Beginner Level - Led by CMU Outdoor Program staff, take a trip into the sandstone canyons of the Uncompahgre plateau along a route once used to haul the sparkly mineral mica from a small mine. This is a 2–3-mile beginner-level hike suitable for all experience levels and ages and a fantastic way to experience the canyon country just a short drive from downtown. Cost: $10 per person
- Group Town Float (Mid-Day) - Beginner Level - Join us for a group float down the town section of the Colorado River here in Grand Junction. Experience the life blood river the southwest by riding your choice of raft, paddle board, or inflatable kayak from Las Colonias park to the Blue Heron boat launch. The CMU Outdoor Program will provide your boat, safety equipment, and shuttle, starting and ending from the Outdoor Program building on campus. No experience necessary! Cost: $30 per person
- Group Hike to the Palisade Rim (Evening) - Intermediate - Take a trip to the east side of the valley to experience the beautiful Palisade Rim trail- a winding switchback trail that traverse and climbs the western toe of the Grand Mesa- the world’s largest flattop mountain. Enjoy the evening scenery and views that can extend across the valley’s agricultural heartland and beyond. This is an intermediate hike with steep hiking and elevation gain suitable for those looking for more of an adventure. Cost: $10 per person
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Want More Fun?
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Mountain Biking: The Grand Valley is home to hundreds of miles of world-class mountain biking trails including the Lunch Loops, Kokopelli, and 18 Road. Stop by the OP to get more information about bike rentals from local shops, recommended trails, and best practices for each biking area.
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Rock Climbing: Grand Junction is perfectly situated for excellent and diverse climbing within a short drive. Unaweep Canyon, a short 30-minute drive from campus, has excellent granite rocks that emerge from walls of sandstone lower in the valley. Stop by the OP to get set up with climbing gear or recommendations for climbing areas.
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Scenic Drives: Looking for something more relaxed? A drive through Colorado National Monument’s Rimrock Road gives a stunning perspective of the valley and views into the deep sandstone canyons that open into the edge of town. Want trees instead? A drive up the Grand Mesa takes you high into the subalpine on the world’s largest flat-top mountain.
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Late February, 2026 – Submission System Opens
April 1, 2026 – Submission Deadline For Extended Abstracts
April 15, 2026 – Authors Notified of Decisions
May 15, 2026 – Registration Deadline for Inclusion in Program
June 9-11 2026 – USASBE Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium
Thanks to our sponsors!
Interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2026 Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium? View our packages at the link below and also find the link to sign up.
For lifelong adventurers and seekers of excitement, Hotel Maverick is exactly what a visit to Grand Junction should be. Located on the campus of CMU, the great outdoors comes to life around this unique destination. This boutique hotel is equal parts upscale and down-to-earth, leaving lasting memories for all who dare to explore. From rooftop dinners to mountain biking, Hotel Maverick offers enriching experiences as a meaningful gateway to the university, and the western Colorado landscape beyond. Hotel Maverick is exactly what a college visit should be, and a proud extension of the classroom at Colorado Mesa University. At Hotel Maverick, students can participate in one-of-a-kind hospitality and culinary teaching programs right on campus. The 60-room boutique hotel owned by Colorado Mesa University is No. 10 on Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of the “15 Best City Hotels in the U.S.”
- Uniquely Modern Accommodations
- Rooftop Restaurant & Bar on 4th Floor
- Betty’s Gourmet Coffee Shop
- 2,963-Square-Foot Outdoor Terrace
- Fitness Room with Peloton Equipment
- Dog-Friendly Rooms Available
- Free Parking for Registered Guests
- Universal and Tesla Car Charging Station
- Complimentary Bicycles
- Accessibility & Features, Learn More
The conference rate is $199 per night. Book at the link below.
First and foremost, all attendees must have an USASBE account, even if you are registering someone else. To create an account, follow this link. To register people beside yourself, you and the person you are trying to register must be listed under the same Academic Institution/Organization in your Member Compass. Once you are both listed under the same Academic Institution/Organization, when you go to register you will be prompted to select who you would like to register for the conference.