Vision

IMAGINE a vibrant region that embraces innovative technology and systems, allowing individuals and businesses to grow and thrive within the natural and cultural lifestyle of Vermont.

Goals

1. 1.There is a strong and immediate need in rural Vermont to close the digital divide and economic opportunity gap by providing students of all ages with information and programs about Vermont's changing landscape. By 2026, we will launch 4 new professional development programs to encourage STEAM and computer science education growth in rural regions.
2. 2.The Black River Innovation Campus's Actuator program is a free eight-week incubator/accelerator program designed to help rural tech startups launch and grow their businesses in Vermont. Actuator provides founders with mentorship, workshops, and key resources for rural business development. By 2026, we will expand programming to help 50+ entrepreneurs/year.
3. 3.By December 2025, we will launch the Fab Lab @ BRIC, a multifaceted work-learn environment that combines fabrication and prototyping facilities, STEAM education and workforce development resources, and entrepreneurship programming. This beacon facility will serve as an innovation economy catalyst in the Claremont-Lebanon micropolitan statistical area, the largest micropolitan area in the country.