About

Foundry Collective’s nonprofit mission is to help small and rural communities develop strong, vibrant, and creative startup communities that contribute to improved prosperity and enjoyment of life. We believe that everyone should have access to the resources they need to take their idea to the next level, create a business, and achieve their dreams.

In rural areas, small businesses drive the economy and are responsible for almost all job growth. The rate of self-employment in rural areas has fallen by 20% between 1988-2016, more than double the overall decline. Improved access to the tools and knowledge necessary to feed entrepreneurship and innovation is critical to reversing this trend and engaging small-town America. Foundry Collective works to promote inclusive and equitable entrepreneurship by supporting places where ideas take root and flourish. These locations are called many things; incubators, business centers, accelerators, maker-spaces, entrepreneurship centers, and more. Regardless of the name, they share a common objective: Provide access to education, mentorship, networking, capital, culture, and community.