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The future is rural

Community impact

We collaborate with rural community leaders across the country to accelerate their efforts in developing tech economies that support innovation, entrepreneurship, and tech job creation.

Paul Yost stands outside his company's office building in Portsmouth, Ohio

Meet our nationwide network of communities

Through the Rural Innovation Network, we empower rural leaders across the country to accelerate their efforts in developing tech economies that support scalable entrepreneurship and tech job creation. Once communities complete the Rural Innovation Initiative and demonstrate ongoing commitment to their tech economy strategies, they are invited to become a member of the Rural Innovation Network.

The 38 communities in our Network, spread across 24 states, are proving huge populations aren’t needed to support entrepreneurs with global ambitions, just a strong internet connection and the opportunity for innovative people to work together to solve problems. Together, these communities are home to:

  • A population of nearly 2.9 million people
  • 125 tech startups and counting
  • More than 17 incubator/accelerator programs
  • Some of the fastest broadband networks in the country

Learn more about our work with our 2022 Impact Report.

Rural Innovation Network

Explore our communities

Learn why rural innovation matters to communities across the country

We have a saying: “When you’ve seen one rural community… you’ve seen one rural community.” Rural America is dynamic and diverse, and each community we work with has different assets and challenges. Our approach to supporting them is dictated by their unique identity, needs, and vision for the future. Here are some of their stories:

Portsmouth, Ohio

A former steel manufacturing hub on the Ohio River carving out its own niche in the tech economy.

Waterville, Maine

A former mill and manufacturing town that's embracing a tech future in rural New England.

Emporia, Kansas

A mecca for cyclists, disc golfers, and nature lovers with fiber broadband to meet the 21st century.

Read more community stories
Impact by the numbers

2.9M

The 38 communities in our Rural Innovation Network are home to a population of nearly 2.9 million people across 25 states. From Independence, Oregon, to Waterville, Maine, our Network members are proving there is no limit to where tech jobs and scalable entrepreneurship can take place.

Learn more

600+

In 2020, we enrolled more than 600 people across the Rural Innovation Network in our Future Is Digital Challenge, an initiative providing rural Americans with the skills to prepare them for careers in tech.

Learn more

Use the next/previous buttons to view a series of network testimonials.

Stacy Nimmo headshot in front of dark background
Network testimonials

"We are proud to be a partner organization alongside other national Network partners, receiving ongoing education and support as we work together to advance our common goals. Our ability to learn and connect with a wide range of rural communities from coast to coast has proven to be invaluable."

Stacy Nimmo
Red Wing, Minnesota
Chris Maggiolo head shot
Network testimonials

"Communicating with like-minded ecosystem builders has enabled us to grow as a community leader and agent of change. It has been a delight getting to know the hardworking behind-the-scenes team responsible for orchestrating the Rural Innovation Network's many successes."

Chris Maggiolo
Springfield, Vermont
Debbie Irwin Headshot
Network testimonials

"Before, we were wading through things without feedback or guidance. We had some wins but they weren’t strategically thought out. We never had a strategic plan for the region as a whole, but now we understand the benefits and see why strategy is so important. It’s brought us to a new level.”

Debbie Irwin
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Would your community be a good fit for the Rural Innovation Network?

Communities in the Rural Innovation Network have completed the Rural Innovation Initiative and demonstrated ongoing commitment to developing their tech economy ecosystem strategy.

Learn more
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