Hometown Strong Takes on the 2024 Rural Summit
In March, the Hometown Strong Rural Grants team traveled to the Rural Summit in Raleigh. Hosted by the NC Rural Center, this conference “brought together community leaders, policymakers, and rural advocates from across the state and nation to engage in a thoughtful, intentional dialogue about the actions we can take today to advance policy and systems change across a broad spectrum of rural development issues.” Our grant writing team was able to meet some of the communities we are working with, face to face, and connect with decisions makers at the federal and state level. Overall, the Summit was a great in-person event for networking and learning for our team.
Community Stories
Economic Development: A small town is eager to reduce barriers to success for its current and future entrepreneurs. It’s seeking funding to help create a co-working and business incubator space that includes unique features like on-site childcare, mentorship and networking opportunities, business training programs, and economic development incentives to create jobs and drive economic growth in the community. The town is working with local partners to fully realize this project and to be the center of business innovation in its region.
Energy Infrastructure: A rural county in the northern part of the state is seeking funding to bring gas infrastructure to a future industrial or business park in its area. The County hopes to leverage its arts-centric, small-town charm and outdoor recreational assets combined with its proximity to busier urban centers to entice development and attract more businesses and visitors to the area.
Our Work
The Rural Grants Team is already hard at work - below is a snapshot of what the team has accomplished in 2024.