Abstract
Goodworks Evergreen (GWE), founded by Goodworks Ventures in 2018, adopts an innovative approach to rural investment by acquiring private businesses in Montana to sustain local economies and preserve community jobs. Realizing that there was an entire generation of aging business owners lacking succession plans and limited acquisition interest from institutional buyers, GWE acquired key local businesses in rural areas. GWE’s focus is on profitable, asset-backed enterprises with potential for operational improvement and growth, emphasizing community-oriented ownership and job preservation. Since inception, GWE has acquired seven businesses, primarily in the wood products sector, using strategic acquisitions, targeted investments, and operational enhancements to drive value. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and market shifts have informed refinements to the investment thesis, emphasizing adaptability in labor markets and community needs while achieving significant growth in its rural business enterprises.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Retaining and Transitioning Businesses in Communities |
| Subtitle of host publication | Strategies in a New Era |
| Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
| Pages | 202-213 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781040386323 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781032805627 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jun 26 2025 |