Wisdom Youth Ranch - Arco

Monte MacConnell's drive and determination are backed by a healthy dose of common sense and experience. He has many years of experience working with troubled youth in rural and extreme environments.

Even so, when he started the Wisdom Youth Ranch two years ago, getting it up and running was anything but easy. Wisdom Youth Ranch, located in a rural mountain valley outside of Arco, Idaho, works with troubled youth and youth who are  looking for growing and challenging experiences.

The youth ranch has successfully operated for over a year now, but there were several hurdles in getting started. First was capital. Monte initially worked with private investors to raise the majority of the money necessary to purchase property and build most of the needed structures.

Although able to accomplish most of his initial goals, Monte still struggled to raise the balance of the finances required for a smooth and secure startup. He solicited the standard financial institutions and banks in the area but was turned down at every juncture. As a startup business, he lacked a sound historical track record and most banks were unfamiliar with his business. Additionally, he found that without a business plan he had little if any hope for success.

Monte turned to the Idaho Small Business Development Center in Idaho Falls for help. With a little coaching and direction he was able to write a successful business plan and received substantial funding in the latter part of 2002. Monte enlisted the help of many other individuals from various sources, including the local economic development specialists in his county. Wisdom Youth Ranch is now positively impacting the economy of Butte County and has received some very positive press coverage. Many of the students come from out of state and around the country.

Wisdom Youth Ranch now has nine full-time and two part-time employees and with the new funding in place, Monte is poised to double the size of his business, as well as provide his students with a higher quality experience.

For information, visit their Web site at  www.wisdomranch.org/?source=caring4youth.org