“The Rural Edge: Traverse City,” features 20Fathoms and startup ecosystem partners

“The Rural Edge” is a video series featuring small towns across the country that are building thriving digital economies and changing the narrative about what’s possible in rural America. Produced by the Center on Rural Innovation, the videos showcase diverse and dynamic communities that are strengthening local economies and creating family-sustaining jobs through the development of new opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship.

The latest video in the series, features Traverse City, Mich. Developed in partnership with 20Fathoms, the video tells the story of the region’s growing startup community.

In Traverse City, founders and entrepreneurs find a supportive startup ecosystem that includes business incubation services, pitch competitions, access to capital, tech talent, a network of accomplished business leaders, and other business resources. The result is a community that offers both a picturesque small-town lifestyle and a robust environment for growing businesses.

“Traverse City is an example of how rural communities can build strong ecosystems that support rural innovation and tech entrepreneurship, and strengthen the community as a whole with the creation of inspirational, inclusive, and collaborative environments such as the recent Northern Michigan Startup Week,” said Brēyana Ray, Director of the Rural Innovation Network at the Center on Rural Innovation. “The startup incubator 20Fathoms, a Rural Innovation Network member, is supporting the region’s promising future businesses by continually enhancing entrepreneurship support and working to increase local tech talent through innovative workforce solutions. We are excited to share their work and look forward to continued partnership!”