"Small Towns, Big Ideas" - Watch Rural Entrepreneurs Compete for a $10,000 Cash Prize

Come and witness firsthand the thriving innovation in rural America. On November 13, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m., join us at the Magnuson Center—or tune in via Livestream—for the highly anticipated Small Towns, Big Ideas pitch event. This event is a unique opportunity to celebrate the innovation and entrepreneurship in America's small towns as rural tech startups compete for a $10,000 cash prize.

Why You Should Attend

Rural communities across the U.S. are often overlooked when it comes to venture capital and investment in high-growth startups. However, these areas are home to talented entrepreneurs creating cutting-edge technologies and scalable solutions that solve real-world problems. The Small Towns, Big Ideas event provides these entrepreneurs a platform to pitch their innovative startups to a panel of seasoned investors.

By attending, you'll be part of an audience that recognizes the value of rural innovation. You'll have the chance to see groundbreaking technologies, network with other attendees, and cheer on five tech startups handpicked to compete this year.

Event Details:

• Date: November 13, 2024
• Time: 5 to 7 p.m. - reception to follow
• Location: Magnuson Center, with Livestream access
• Registration: Sign up here. The event is free, but registration is required.

Meet the Innovators Competing for the Prize

Five trailblazing startups from CORI's Rural Innovation Network have been selected to compete. Each startup focuses on scalable, investor-ready tech solutions, ranging from AI-driven tools to environmental technology. Here's a sneak peek at the competitors:

• Agolix (Durango, Colorado) — Offers consultants, coaches, and small businesses an approachable platform to create custom assessments that provide automated reporting options
• ElecGrid (Northeast Kingdom, Vermont) — Provides incident response and recovery software that allows utilities to coordinate work in the field and expedite relief efforts more efficiently
• OsRostrum (Wilson, North Carolina) — Provides a low-cost mobile platform for farmers to quantify structural traits and develop precision breeding plans that improve cow health and longevity
• ParaAi (Waterville, Maine) — Integrates advanced AI into its Quill software to create a comprehensive assistant that supports various aspects of writing
• Wave Lumina (Traverse City, Michigan) — Supports remediation of natural resources with tools that allow for rapid detection of environmental pollutants in the field

These startups are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in rural tech, and they're ready to showcase their innovations to a live audience.

A Competition That Makes an Impact

Now in its fourth year, Small Towns, Big Ideas highlights rural entrepreneurs' critical role in their communities. Despite the challenges of attracting investment, these entrepreneurs are determined to build businesses that create well-paying jobs and drive economic growth in their regions. This event puts the spotlight on the talent emerging from rural America—talent that is often overlooked in traditional startup ecosystems.

Jamie Coughlin, Executive Director of the Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship, emphasized the event's importance: "This pitch competition embodies what entrepreneurship is all about—identifying bold ideas and matching them with the resources they need to grow. What's especially exciting here is that these ideas are coming from rural America, showcasing the ingenuity and potential found in places that are often overlooked."

The startups you'll see are competing for a $10,000 prize and building ventures that will have a lasting impact on their communities. The pitch event is more than just a competition; it's a chance to drive investment into underserved areas.

An Esteemed Panel of Judges

The startups will present their business models, product innovations, and company visions to a panel of top-tier venture capitalists and investors. The judges will assess their pitches based on their product, business model, traction, and narrative.

Past judges have included venture capitalists from notable firms like Revolution Fund and New Frontier Capital. This year's panel promises to bring the same expertise and dedication to finding the next big rural tech startup.

Join Us in Supporting Rural Innovation

By attending Small Towns, Big Ideas, you will witness the future of rural innovation and help shine a spotlight on the incredible work entrepreneurs do outside major urban centers. These founders prove that big ideas can emerge from small towns and deserve our attention and support. Whether you attend in person at the Magnuson Center or participate via Livestream, take advantage of this exciting opportunity to see the next wave of rural tech startups.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

This event is made possible through the generous support of GFiber, White Mountains, Vermont Community Foundation, Venable LLP, Mascoma Bank, Gallagher Flynn & Company LLP, Nick Greenfield, John Liporace, Robert Delves, and Casner Edwards.

Register now, and mark your calendar for November 13, 2024!