Vision: Foundry Collective envisions Rural communities with strong, vibrant, and creative entrepreneurial ecosystems that contribute to improved prosperity and enjoyment of life. Mission: Foundry Collective helps rural communities create and operate Main Street Entrepreneurial Centers providing resources to innovators and small businesses. 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 that 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 providing 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. A sizable challenge is to ensure that these centers of innovation are sustainable, long-lasting, and provide ongoing support and services. Finding pathways to create locally operated spaces which reflect each communities unique culture is our ultimate goal. We encourage you to join us on this journey.