Q&A with Cameron Payne
Rural entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of our communities. Do you know a rural entrepreneur who could use some support in scaling their business? Applications are now open for CEDA’s 2025 cohort of the Rural Business Innovation Lab!
To learn more about the Rural Business Innovation Lab (RBIL), we sat down with Cameron Payne, CEDA’s Entrepreneurial Programs Manager.
What is the Rural Business Innovation Lab?
After working in rural communities for nearly 40 years, CEDA developed RBIL to fill a gap that we saw in support for rural entrepreneurs. Our small towns have figured out many ways to help Main Street and established businesses, but it’s often more difficult for our rural municipalities to support a startup that has very specific needs in a new industry or with new technology. Plus, being an entrepreneur–especially in a rural place–can be lonely! In 2025, RBIL aims to provide resources, coaching, and comradery to 8-12 rural entrepreneurs in Minnesota and Wisconsin so we can help these companies scale within the rural communities they were founded.
Who’s RBIL looking for?
We’re scouting for rural entrepreneurs who meet these criteria:
- Ready to Scale: A minimum viable product (MVP) and big dreams for growth.
- Rural Roots: The business should already be based in or planning to move to a rural community.
- Innovative: We are looking for businesses with unique products, services, or solutions.
- Facing Challenges: Do they have a problem they’re struggling to work through and could use assistance with?
- Revenue: Annual revenue between $10,000 and $5,000,000 (Two spots are saved for pre-revenue businesses!)
And because these groups have been traditionally underserved, RBIL is especially excited to support women, nonbinary folks, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, veterans, minorities, and people with disabilities.
What can businesses expect from participating?
The program helps entrepreneurs grow their skills, access innovative financing options, and share success stories that inspire entire communities. Through RBIL, businesses can expect:
- Eight months of free one-on-one consulting
- Workshops with industry leaders
- An incredible network of consultants and experts
- A supportive crew of 8-12 entrepreneurial peers cheering you on
- Up to $5,000 in project funding for eligible expenses
How’s RBIL making a difference so far?
In just two years, RBIL has made a HUGE impact and we are really excited to keep that momentum going. So far, we’ve helped businesses:
- Access over half a million dollars in capital
- Increase average wages by more than 105%
- Connect with 30+ local consultants
Curious about the businesses we’ve worked with? Check out their stories at www.cedausa.com/ruralinnovation and see the incredible growth happening in rural communities.
I know a business that would benefit. How do they apply?
Great! Applications can be found at www.cedausa.com/ruralinnovation and are open NOW through February 24, 2025. Applicants will hear back by March 7. Please share this information with any business you know that fits the above criteria, and feel free to reach out with questions!
Cameron Payne, Entrepreneurial Programs Manager: cameron.payne@cedausa.com
Joshua Schuetz, Entrepreneurial Programs Specialist: joshua.schuetz@cedausa.com