As older business and property owners in rural communities retire, the viability of small businesses in these communities can be put at risk. As the number of operating businesses goes down, the value of buildings can decrease, often increasing apathy in the community. However, instead of waiting for traditional developers to come along, real estate investment cooperatives may present an opportunity for community members to take steps themselves to revitalize businesses close to them.

Charlotte Narjes is Associate Director of the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center here at UNL.

Read more on cap.unl.edu or ndcd.unl.edu.