From Independence, Oregon to Waterville, Maine, our Rural Innovation Network (RIN) members are proving there is no limit to where digital economy jobs and scalable entrepreneurship can take place.
Today, these ecosystem builders are focused on educating and training local residents in digital 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.
These community members were invited to join the network after demonstrating ongoing commitment to the development of their digital economy ecosystems through the Rural Innovation Initiative, a technical assistance program empowering rural communities as they execute on their ecosystem strategies.
Ada, Oklahoma
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Cedar City, Utah
Durango, Colorado
Emporia, Kansas
Independence, Oregon
Marquette, Michigan
Pikesville, Kentucky
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Platteville, Wisconsin
Portsmouth, Ohio
Red Wing, Minnesota
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Springfield, Vermont
Taos, New Mexico
Traverse City, Michigan
Waterville, Maine
Wilson, North Carolina
The Rural Innovation Network is a nationwide community of committed change agents working to advance the economic future of small-town America. In addition to receiving support and guidance from our team, network members will have access to economic expertise, data and mapping tools, enriching programming, and a nationwide network of resources to draw from as they work to advance their digital economy ecosystem strategies.
rural Economic Development expertise
- Access to expertise on the CORI team
- Proven models and best practices developed by other rural communities
- Case studies and research on successful rural ecosystems
- Custom data and mapping tools to understand local economic dynamics
National Partnerships and Resources
- Access to capital opportunities through the CORI Innovation Fund (CIF)
- World-class national digital skilling partners and programs
- Pro-bono legal support for local tech entrepreneurs
- Capacity building and professional development opportunities
- National press coverage and attention
nationwide Connections and Community
- A private online community for network members to exchange ideas and share
- A national network of similarly interested rural digital ecosystem builders
- A research and development arena to pilot new initiatives and programs
- Various working groups collaborating on topics from virtual events to attracting remote workers
About our network
- Our network is made up of 18 states in 4 time zones
- Our network communities join us at varying levels of economic development maturity—from those looking to get started to those in the process of building complex ecosystems—all are welcome
- Our network covers an areas that represents more than 1.2 rural Americans
Through this community of practice, we connect our members with other rural leaders and advocates working on similar development initiatives at different stages of economic development. By creating a national network of innovation hubs for our members to access, we are able to accelerate their learning and amplify their work on the ground.
Join us as we advance inclusive economic prosperity in rural America.
Join us as we advance inclusive economic prosperity in rural America.
Interested in supporting our efforts to serve rural communities across the country? We’re asking rural ecosystem builders to share more information with us about their community. This data will be used to better inform our efforts and support our current and future network members.