Red Wing Ignite
Igniting Innovation in Rural Minnesota
Red Wing, MN
i6 Challenge
Federal Share: $750,000.00
Local Match: $940,602.00
The Red Wing Ignite (RWI) i6 challenge project will “Ignite Innovation in Rural Minnesota”. RWI will leverage its unique strengths, including gigabit broadband and a successful public/private sector network, to advance students, entrepreneurs, and businesses in Southeast Minnesota. The essential components of the project include advancing innovators and entrepreneurs by creating a hybrid incubator using virtual and in-person education, mentoring with top talent, technical assistance funds, access to investors and individual coaching; enhancing regional connectivity by convening ecosystem builders and stakeholders in 11 counties of Southeast Minnesota to implement the Entrepreneur First (E1) Collaborative; and cultivating the workforce of the future by convening industry, education and workforce development to attract, retain, and develop the talent needed to meet employer demand. These activities will generate density of people, talent and resources vital to the growth and vitality of our region. This project expects to advance 30 emerging entrepreneurs, meet the talent needs of 15 employers and prepare 75 students for the future workforce.