Rural Grocery Peer Groups

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 that have been in operation for at least one year and are located anywhere in the United States.

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 September 2026 (dates and times TBD)

WHERE: Zoom

COST: FREE!

Interested grocers should complete this brief online application by January 19, 2026. From there, the RGI team will organize participants into peer groups and coordinate monthly meetings with participants.

Please note: 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 rgi@ksu.edu.

 

Rural Grocery Peer Groups hosted by the Rural Grocery Initiative are one of many options available to rural grocers. If you aren't ready to commit or are looking for something different, other opportunities include the National Grocers Association share groups; the Food Co-op Initiative's peer learning groups; and state-based peer groups in several states, including Nebraska and Iowa.