The third annual “Rural Revitalization Conference” will be held on Wednesday, February 22 in Randolph, according to Gary Fike, Riley County K-State Research and Extension Director.

“The purpose of this conference, has been, and always will be, focused on rural entrepreneurship,” Fike says.  “Those who are interested in beginning their own small, rural business is our target audience, although everyone is invited if you have even the faintest interest in becoming an entrepreneur someday.”

The event will be held at the Randolph VFW, and will begin at 9:30 a.m. with coffee, juice, and cinnamon rolls from the “Fork in the Road” in Riley.  The program begins at 10:00 a.m. with speakers from USDA Rural Development, the Small Business Development Center, and the Governor’s Office on Rural Prosperity.  The focus of their presentations will include information on beginning a business plan, financing, how to apply for grants and loans, and other special offerings by their organizations.

Registration is $ 25.00 and includes lunch and rolls, coffee and juice and is due by February 20.  Call the Riley County Extension office at 785-537-6350 and get registered today.  For more information and the complete schedule, go to riley.k-state.edu under "hot topics".