Delta Innovator Search

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The Rural Innovation Alliance is offering a challenge designed to identify entrepreneurs, scientists, healthcare providers, agricultural leaders, and other innovators with new solutions that have the potential to transform the Delta region's economy and contribute to better health outcomes. Solutions could include new goods or products, scientific or technical innovations, services, business models, financial strategies, or projects to build the necessary infrastructure for resilient economic growth.

Categories include:

• Science and technology - New approaches that address the Delta region's unique needs and opportunities, ranging from non-traditional rural health delivery to agricultural innovations like specialty crop developments or resilient farming practices, and other industry advancements
• Economics - New business models or financial strategies designed to strengthen the region's economic base by engaging and empowering residents and communities
• Community impact - Strategies committed to making a long-term, positive impact on local Delta communities, including advancements in economic resiliency and improvements in rural health outcomes

Applications are accepted from individuals, nonprofits, small businesses, entrepreneurs, students, faculty, cooperatives, teams, and other groups and entities. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be residents of Arkansas, Mississippi, or Louisiana, or demonstrate authentic partnership with an organization from the area that serves residents.

Finalists could receive awards of $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000 to support their initiative, in addition to gaining access to networking support and additional funding opportunities.

The Innovator Search has 3 stages.

1. Complete the online application which includes a project description and video submission
2. Selected semifinalists will participate in a virtual incubator
3. Selected finalists present their proposals to the Rural Innovation Alliance and its partners at a showcase and awards banquet in September, 2024