This webinar highlighted challenges facing Main Street businesses in rural communities resulting from COVID-19 and provided perspectives from business owners and lenders. Participants discussed the rollout of federal aid for small businesses, including obstacles that have limited the effectiveness of those programs. Panelists also shared their opinions on needs that remain in the short and medium term.

The webinar was part of a series in conjunction with the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative of WGA Chair and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. The Chairman’s Initiative is examining challenges and opportunities in rural economic development, infrastructure and quality of life across the region.

Panelists included:

• Koger L. Propst, President & Chief Executive Officer, ANB Bank
• Gregory Price, Director, Small Business Development Center, Columbia Gorge Community College
• James Martin, Owner & Licensing Manager, Copa Di Vino and Pulpoloco Sangria
• David Amin, Developer and Owner, Hampton Inns, Denver and Fort Morgan
• Ryan Laws, CEO, Pro Image Sports

Watch Part I: Learn about federal resources available to rural communities to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19 and explore how agencies are working to alleviate impacts on rural residents and businesses.

Watch Part II: Western rural community leaders share strategies for mitigating the economic impact, assistance needed to stabilize their economies, and how they'll achieve long-term recovery.

The Latest on the Western Governors’ COVID-19 Response

• COVID-19 in the West: A state-by-state breakdown of the Governors’ work
• WATCH: COVID-19: Cybersecurity Threats & Best Practices webinar
• Best of the West Special Edition: Increasing testing and contact tracing across the region; telework’s growing popularity; broadband investments in New Mexico
• Executive Director’s Notebook: A Team Effort
• LETTER: Governors remind Congress about importance of PILT, SRS programs to rural communities