The paper addresses the importance of developing a rural community's commercial sector for economic development by providing some analytical tools. Procedures are outlined to estimate commercial sector activity in a community, to estimate commercial sector activity for various counties within a state (Nevada is used as an example), and to develop strategies for strengthening activity in a rural community's commercial sector. Sample equations are provided for calculating trade area capture and pull factor values. Strategies suggested for strengthening commercial activity include (1) identification of market potential through a survey of consumer demands and buying habits; (2) improvement of retail market capture share through downtown analysis and renewal; (3) development of employee training programs to improve quality of service; (4) expansion of purchases by non-local people through appropriate advertising; (5) encouragement to buy locally; and (6) collective action through formation of organizations such as the local Chamber of Commerce. Twenty references are listed. (NEC)