Investing in rural entrepreneurship

Empowering tech-enabled rural entrepreneurs across U.S.

We launched the CORI Innovation Fund (CIF), a seed fund, to invest in tech-enabled startups located in rural Opportunity Zones. CIF seeks attractive technology-enabled operating startups in rural areas, which are under-served by traditional venture capital institutions.

We identify, fund, and support the best and most innovative tech entrepreneurs in rural America, enhancing economic growth and tech job creation in small communities across the United States.

In general, CIF funds companies that are generating revenue and need capital for their plans to scale significantly over time. CIF typically invests in a company’s seed round and can act either as a lead investor or as a participant in a funding round.

Direct investment opportunities for Vermont-based startups

Launched in 2024, the Green Mountain Accelerator Fund (GMAF), created by the Center on Rural Innovation in partnership with the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), supports scalable entrepreneurship and tech job creation in rural Vermont by investing in early-stage tech startups.

This capital investment for Vermont-based startups, with a focus on female founders, will facilitate the transformation of innovative early-stage businesses into thriving companies and drive tech entrepreneurial ecosystem development throughout the state’s rural areas.

GMAF only invests in Vermont startups that operate outside of Chittenden County, and is currently seeking opportunities to support scalable tech startups that meet the investment criteria.