Join a Rural Grocery Peer Group!

Running a rural grocery store is tough, and at times, isolating. Many grocers value learning from each other and want more opportunities to connect.

To help bridge this gap, RGI will be facilitating Rural Grocery Peer Groups. By providing space for mutual support and knowledge exchange, these groups will help foster a stronger, more connected rural grocery community.

WHO: Owners and managers of independent rural grocery stores located in the Heartland Regional Food Business Center (NE, IA, MO, KS, OK, AR)

WHAT: Peer groups will be composed of no more than 12 non-competing rural grocers. Each group will meet for one hour once a month to ask each other questions, share advice, learn best practices, speak directly with industry experts, and motivate each other.

WHEN: February through October 2025 (dates and times TBD)

WHERE: Zoom

COST: Free!

Interested grocers should complete a brief online application by Jan. 17, 2025.

From there, the RGI team will organize participants into peer groups and coordinate monthly meetings with participants.
Due to capacity limitations, we cannot guarantee there will be space for everyone who applies. However, we will do our best to accommodate you.

Questions? Email Erica Blair at elblair@ksu.edu.