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Building solutions through cross-country collaboration

Launched in 2019, the Rural Innovation Network is a one-of-a-kind, national community of practice working to advance the economic future of small-town America.

Through this network, the Center on Rural Innovation brings together diverse leaders from communities advancing their tech economies and provides them with a range of customized solutions to pressing challenges. Offerings include:

  • Entrepreneurship mentorship and support
  • Federal funding assistance
  • Tech talent training programs
  • Data insights
  • Peer learning events
  • Working groups

The Network supports and connects rural communities, enabling leaders to learn from and support each other while also accessing a broader community of economic development organizations, philanthropy, businesses, and government agencies. 

Rural Innovation Network communities

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Rural Innovation Network programming

To help meet their ambitious goals, Network members receive a range of support and guidance that includes best-in-class programming to unlock tech talent in rural America, investment opportunities for promising companies, and grant applications. As a national leader in developing rural tech economies, the Network team equips members with the services, tools, and capacity to create sustainable change and scale their economic revitalization efforts.

As part of their membership, Network members can access at no or low-cost:

  • Nationwide networking and peer learning opportunities, including:
    • The annual Rural Innovation Network Summit — a members-only gathering where attendees can connect with and learn from each other and outside experts
    • An exclusive online platform for ongoing dialogue and member-only resources supporting inclusive ecosystem building
    • Network-only webinars and workshops
    • Working groups on inclusive tech culture building and tech-based ecosystem building
  • CORI’s network of national experts on topics including rural economic development, inclusive tech ecosystem building, the impact of diversifying tech, and community engagement
  • Customized 1:1 consultation on community engagement planning and inclusive recruitment practices
  • Strategic partnership opportunities, local and national media coverage, and national speaking opportunities

Network members also receive priority access to CORI’s workforce and tech talent development programs, as well as our entrepreneurship support services. 

Join the Rural Innovation Network

If you would like to be part of our growing collective, please get in touch with our team about the options that could be available to your rural community!

Connect with our team

Meet our communities

Today, these local leaders are focused on educating and training local residents in tech skills (especially those traditionally excluded from the tech industry), employing them in new economy jobs, and empowering them to launch startups that will drive a prosperous 21st-century economy. Diverse in geography, economic origin, and demographics, these communities represent the full spectrum of rural America.