Farley Schweighart has been selected as the newest recipient of the Rural Gone Urban Foundation’s Small Business Grant. Schweighart, founder of Rural MedEx PLLC, is launching a physical therapy and telehealth practice tailored to the realities of rural life in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Her vision is rooted in experience. As a teenager, she watched her father work through three shoulder surgeries on his roping arm in less than a year. The hours he spent in physical therapy showed her how access to the right care can restore not just mobility, but a way of life.

With the foundation’s support, Schweighart will expand her reach to fill 25 patient slots each week through a mix of in-person and virtual appointments. She is also building an online presence to extend her services and create new avenues for education and income, from affiliate resources to speaking opportunities.

Rural MedEx is still in its first year, but Schweighart’s goal is clear: healthcare that understands the people it serves.

Lauren Dunlap, founder of Copano Oyster Company, receives the Rural Gone Urban Foundation’s Small Business Marketing Grant. This grant will help elevate her brand through critical marketing assets such as a professional website, social media strategy, and advertising plans. With monthly guidance from a committee of seasoned marketers and small business owners, Lauren will receive tailored advice and mentorship to expand her business, increase brand recognition, and connect with eco-conscious consumers. Copano Oyster Company is poised for growth, and this grant is a key step toward establishing it as a recognized name in the seafood industry.

Katelyn King, a devoted mother and passionate flower shop owner, has transformed her slim-margin business into a flourishing venture with the help of a Rural Gone Urban Foundation grant. Nestled beside her home, Katelyn’s flower shop is more than just a business—it’s a labor of love, creativity, and dedication. With our grant, she partnered with Kate and Co Creative to revamp her branding, website, and social media presence, receiving personalized coaching from our grant committee along the way. Katelyn’s journey exemplifies the power of support and mentorship in helping small businesses bloom.