Rural Innovation Initiative (RII) - Technical Assistance Program

Rural Innovation Initiative (RII)

The Rural Innovation Initiative is a technical assistance program supporting rural communities working to create digital economy jobs with an innovation hub strategy. Communities receive intensive technical assistance as they execute an innovation hub strategy: an economic development model that works to educate and train local residents in digital skills, employ them in new economy jobs, and empower them to launch startups that will drive their digital economy.

Geographic Scope

• National scope across rural America
• Over 250 communities have applied since inception in 2018
• Currently operating in 18 states across all 4 time zones
• Grew from 9 initial communities to expanding network

Services Provided

• On-site and video conference time with RISI staff
• Templates and written resources
• Technical assistance to refine innovation hub strategies
• Partnerships with national technology skilling providers
• Pro bono legal services for startups
• Guidance on engaging traditionally underrepresented minorities and women
• Community of practice support through Rural Innovation Network

Program Components

Innovation Hub Strategy includes:

• Education and training in digital skills
• Remote/distributed work opportunities
• Support for entrepreneurs scaling tech-enabled startups
• Access to capital
• Building local amenities and cultural resources
• Coworking spaces

Eligibility (General)

• Rural communities committed to digital economic development
• Communities with broadband/high-speed internet infrastructure
• Access to higher learning institutions for intellectual capital and talent
• Leadership committed to innovation hub strategy

Funding Sources

• Siegel Family Endowment
• U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA)
• Walmart
• National Technical Assistance cooperative agreement with EDA

Achievements

• Three communities (Red Wing MN, Traverse City MI, Cape Girardeau MO) secured EDA i6 Challenge grants in 2019
• Two communities (Waterville ME, Platteville WI) secured EDA Build to Scale Venture Challenge grants in 2020
• Helped communities raise over $10 million in federal funding and matching dollars

Contact

• Matt Dunne, Executive Director of RISI and Founder of CORI
• Leah Taylor, Rural Innovation Initiative Manager at RISI

Background

Launched in late 2018, more than 130 communities applied in the first year. The initiative works closely with Rural Innovation Strategies, Inc. (RISI) and the Center On Rural Innovation (CORI).

Application Process

1. Submit Application
   • Complete community application form
   • Demonstrate commitment to innovation hub strategy
   • Meet eligibility criteria
2. Selection
   • Review of 130+ applications in inaugural cohort (2018)
   • Competitive selection process
   • Notification of selection
3. Engagement
   • Participants receive range of support during program
   • On-site visits from RISI staff
   • Virtual strategy sessions
   • Expert guidance and written resources
4. Strategy Development
   • Communities refine innovation hub strategies
   • Participants invited to join Rural Innovation Network
   • Ongoing technical assistance and community of practice support

Special Cohorts

For Rural Communities of Color (Fall 2021)

• Application window: Through July 9, 2021
• Selection process begins: July 12, 2021
• Program begins: September 2021
• Number of spaces: 4 communities
• Funding: $30,000 per community in fully-funded consulting services

Eligibility for Communities of Color Cohort:

• Population 5,000-50,000
• Not suburbs of urban areas
• Populations with preference to no more than 60% white non-Hispanic
• Fiber internet in downtown area OR broadband for at least 75% of population
• Post-secondary institution in the region