During Session 3 of Hardin’s Reimaging Rural event, we worked together to select a project that we could use to improve our community through the use of the Reimaging Rural Seed Grant. This grant provides up to $2,000 to help communities kickstart their dreams.

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Economic Development Discussion

One idea is to promote business opportunities online and encourage entrepreneurs to consider opening in the area. Organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, One Health Community Care Specialists, and the Y.E.S. Coalition could help share information through platforms like Facebook and community bulletins. Another idea is to encourage Native-owned businesses to consider Hardin as a potential location. Connecting with Plenty Doors was also suggested as a way to help fill empty storefronts and support workforce connections. Overall, the conversation emphasized improving communication with storefront owners and working together to revitalize vacant buildings in the downtown area.

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What is the Community Map?

The Community Map was discussed based on a Community Business Map that Hardin has created in the past. On the map, businesses would have their logo and storefront displayed on an animated map to help residents and visitors easily see what businesses are located in the area. The map could serve as a tool to promote local businesses, increase visibility for new or smaller shops, and encourage people to explore different parts of the community. It could be shared online and through community organizations to help highlight what Hardin has to offer while also supporting local economic activity and tourism.

What is the Artisan Market?

The Community Third Place Artisan Fair aims to create a welcoming community “third place” where people can gather, connect, and learn through recreation, artisan crafts, and youth engagement. The event would highlight local talents such as wool work, leather crafting, quilting, and knitting while offering artisan-led classes to teach new skills and inspire young people. Potential partners include groups like 4-H, church organizations, the Y.E.S. Coalition, museums, local businesses, and artisans. The fair could be held at locations such as the Farmers Market, Big Horn Center, Hardin High School, or downtown spaces. Its goals are to support local businesses, inspire youth career ideas, attract regional visitors, and strengthen community connections. With volunteers helping manage logistics like insurance, advertising, food, security, and space setup, the event could eventually grow into a regular gathering that builds pride, collaboration, and a stronger sense of community.

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What is the Honey-Do 22?

We’d like to use these funds to developed a community list/data base of 22 small projects that can be accomplished by the end of 2026 to improve our community. Projects range from clean-up and repair projects to small beautification efforts, like the creation of smaller murals throughout town. Ideas would be collected from the community using a Google form and various service groups could sign up to accomplish these projects. Grant funding would be used to supply the materials for these projects. This could include trash bags, gloves, paint, etc. We would create a marketing campaign for this to build excitement as we work together as a community to complete all 22 projects! As more grant funds become available, we could accomplish larger projects or sustain this effort for several years and expand our impacts. Overall, the Honey-Do 22 initiative aims to improve the quality of life by beautifying our community for all who enjoy it.