Empowering local leaders to build tech economy ecosystems

Through the Rural Innovation Initiative, we provide intensive technical assistance and support to rural communities as they build tech economy ecosystem strategies, an economic development model that works to educate and train local residents in tech skills, employ them in tech jobs, and empower them to launch the startups that will drive their local economy.

Since launching in 2019, we’ve helped our communities raise more than $36 million in federal funding and matching dollars through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s highly competitive Build to Scale Venture Challenge Grant program.