The Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) is changing the landscape of the nation's tech economy by putting a spotlight on rural. Their mission is to advance economic prosperity in rural America through the creation of inclusive tech economy ecosystems that support scalable entrepreneurship and tech job creation. Through their Rural Innovation Network (RIN), CORI is working to make an impact with on-the-ground support of rural community leaders across the country.

SCAPE was selected to be a RIN member in 2020 representing our Southwest Colorado region and how accelerators are a direct driver in rural economic development. As one of 37 communities across 25 states, SCAPE has the opportunity to connect with fellow Entrepreneur Development Organizations facing similar issues in their rural communities. The network offers a space where leaders can collaborate on the problems they’re solving, celebrate their wins, and gain education on how to further their missions and values, you can read ours here. The major topics of discussion are around tech-based economic development, rural startup investment, tech workforce development, broadband advocacy, plus research, data, and storytelling. All of which play a major role in moving the needle in our rural regions.

SCAPE Program Director, Brittany Cupp, traveled to Traverse City, Michigan (a fellow RIN community) for the annual CORI Summit this May. In the company of 27 other rural communities, Brittany workshopped building an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, navigating the phases of tech talent development, as well as, presented at a startup program journey roundtable to share the success of SCAPE and how other communities could also raise an investment fund.

We are eager to bring these collaborative ideas back to our community. We are inspired more than ever to continue our important work of creating a seat at the table for rural economic leaders and supporting entrepreneurs to gain the same level of access as our metropolitan counterparts. Big thanks to the entire CORI team for their work on this event and to 20Fathoms for hosting.