Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting thousands of courageous, creative, and committed rural entrepreneurs across North America. From flower farms to health tech, and family-centered farms to inclusive wellness ventures, these stories remind us why rural innovation is alive and thriving.
Here are just a few of our favorite stories that we’ve recently shared.
Wonder Wild Farm & Childs Frame Co.
Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Dream Business Program via The GRID + Nicolet College
During our Dream Business cohort hosted in partnership with Nicolet College, we watched powerful connections unfold. Two entrepreneurs—one running a flower farm, the other a framing shop—teamed up. The frame shop acted as a pickup point ‘in town’ for fresh flowers, creating a simple but brilliant cross-promotional relationship that benefits both businesses and the wider community.
This is what happens when rural entrepreneurs are given space, structure, and support to share and grow their ideas.
Mistfit Acres NS
Nova Scotia | Dream Business Program
Jenn Percy of Mistfit Acres had a dream of building more than just a modern homestead—she wanted to build a movement rooted in sustainability, education, and rural resilience. With the support of Mashup Lab’s Dream Business Program, Jenn turned her vision of sustainable living into a working, evolving business that teaches others how to reconnect with the land and their communities.
OSAAT Farm
Canada | Spotlight Entrepreneur
Tamara—“Chief Idea Haver” at OSAAT Farm—is creating inclusive spaces where kids, families, and communities come together through nature, play, and learning. Her idea started small but blossomed into a business that’s healing and connecting people in powerful ways. Her story shows how entrepreneurship can spark real social change in rural spaces.
Kale Health Canada
Canada | Health + Tech Startup
Dr. Jennie Ding’s venture, Kale Health Canada, is leading the way in personalized health and wellness. Her experience in our program helped her shape her offerings, refine her message, and connect with a community of supportive peers—all while still practicing as a family physician, proving that people can pursue their ‘dream business’ while holding down their ‘day job’. Geography – or your ‘day-to-day’ life – doesn’t limit innovation or the ability of busy people in your community to pursue their dreams!
Why These Stories Matter
These aren’t just business launches—they’re community-building moments. What ties all these stories together is what’s possible when people are given permission to dream, and a safe space to try.
In fact:
- Well over 80% of our participants had never signed up for a business or entrepreneurship program before joining our Mashup Lab Dream Business program… despite having access to DOZENS of other supports and resources they could have taken advantage of (but didn’t)
- Many didn’t even consider themselves entrepreneurs—until they did. They often feel like all of those awesome resources and programs that are available… is for someone that isn’t them.
- Our programs unlock what we call “untapped talent”—those ‘sitting on the sidelines’ in rural places with big ideas for potentially viable businesses in our community, but without a clear path forward… until now.
Bring the Magic to Your Community
If these stories lit a spark for you, your community might be ready for something like this too.
👉 Want to explore how we can bring the Mashup Lab Dream Business program to your rural region?
Book a call with Andrew to chat about how we can support your local entrepreneurs and build momentum in your community—one dream business at a time.
Let’s make sure your town the one we’re celebrating next!