Rural Ideas Network receives grant to assist rural entrepreneurs

     In partnership with the East Central Iowa County of Governments (ECICOG), the Rural Ideas Network has been awarded a $412,105 grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to expand its efforts to support rural entrepreneurs across Iowa.

   “We are thrilled to partner with the EDA and ECICOG to scale our proven rural entrepreneurship support service to new communities across Iowa.,” said Jordan DeGree, Rural Ideas Network director.

   Since 2020, the Rural Ideas Network has piloted two services geared at supporting entrepreneurs in rural communities – a co-working accelerator program and a virtual Business Lab service. Through the accelerator program, the Rural Ideas Network staff helps local community partners plan, launch, and operate co-working spaces that serve as innovation and entrepreneurship hubs within the community. To date, five rural co-working spaces have launched across Iowa (including in Monticello), and one in Oakes, N.D., through the accelerator program. These spaces host entrepreneurs, remote workers, existing business owners, and a wide variety of resource and support service providers.

   The Business Lab provides a plug and play virtual solution that makes it easy for rural communities to offer robust support to local businesses. Each Business Lab offers a full menu of programs, including one-on-one business coaching, peer learning opportunities, and technical assistance and training opportunities. More than 50 partners have launched Business Labs across five states, giving over 700,000 rural residents access to Business Lab services.

   These two services have brought exciting new spaces and tailored business support services to small, rural communities. This EDA grant will enable the Rural Ideas Network to scale its capacity to serve new communities in Iowa.

   “We are big fans of how these rural co-working spaces have repurposed under-used Main Street buildings to support local businesses right where they are,” said Karen Kurt, ECICOG executive director. “Building vibrant communities and supporting entrepreneurs are key strategies in our five-year economic plan – “Envision East Central Iowa.” The Innovation and Business Lab model fits our goals perfectly and we are excited to see these services expand within our region and throughout the state.”

   As part of the EDA grant, the Rural Ideas Network will provide low- or no-cost services to a select number of rural communities that are interested in opening a co-working space or bringing a Business Lab to their community. In the coming months, a request for proposals (RFPs) will be available to communities interested in applying for the scholarships. Email jordan@ruralideas.net to express an interest in this exciting opportunity.