Economic development looms as the most significant challenge for many rural communities and First Nations.

Creating sustainable enterprises that carry with them well-paid jobs can be difficult in the face of obstacles, including ageing populations, lack of access to capital, insufficient infrastructure, distance to markets, and provincial, national, and global economic forces beyond their control.

Yet there are successes out there. There are communities and First Nations that have reinvented their economies, stimulating growth and well-being local residents appreciate and approve of — in part because successful rural economic development is usually the product of local creativity and initiative.

We'll find examples of positive rural economic development and share them here with you.