Heartland Rural Innovators Initiative

Funded by Upward Momentum, the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) launched the Heartland Rural Innovators Initiative, a 14-month program supporting rural communities in Missouri as they grow their tech and innovation economies. Applications are currently open for Missouri communities.

In the fall, with funding from the Patterson Family Foundation, CORI selected six communities across Kansas and Western Missouri to join the first cohort of the Heartland Rural Innovators Initiative. Now, with support from Upward Momentum, CORI is launching a Missouri-focused sub-cohort for Missouri communities outside the Patterson Family Foundation catchment. Participating teams will receive:

• A custom tech economy assessment and strategy
• Implementation and funding readiness support
• Peer learning opportunities across the Heartland region
• Participation in a regional Summit for the Heartland Rural Innovators cohort
• $30k to support implementation of the strategy

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Rural communities or regions (population <50k), located in Missouri, should demonstrate readiness across a range of key indicators, including:

• Strong broadband infrastructure
• Established workforce development assets, such as higher education institutions and/or formal training partners
• Dedicated leadership capacity from multiple regional entities and/or institutions
• Commitment to advancing innovation-based economic development*

*Applicants will be asked to provide a letter demonstrating commitment to participate from at least one partner organization that is not the main applicant. A template for this letter is available to download here.

Application Process

Applications Are Open For the Missouri-focused cohort funded by Upward Momentum.

Applications close: May 20, 2026