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Rural LISC Launches Rural Connect with $600k Grant from Wells Fargo Foundation

August 2, 2022
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Rural LISC

Rural LISC Launches Rural Connect with Wells Fargo Foundation for South Dakota

In South Dakota, Idaho, and Wyoming, rural and native communities will get financial and technical support through the new initiative Rural Connect, which Rural LISC launched today. The effort, which is supported by a $600,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation, begins in Sisseton, South Dakota, with a stakeholder roundtable on prospects for public and private partnerships and a bus tour of regional small businesses and community investment programmes. 
 
For company owners in rural regions in South Dakota and beyond, an emphasis on digital skills, financial literacy, and access to financing is essential, according to Caitlin Cain, LISC Vice President and Director of Rural LISC. We hope to be able to increase awareness of these issues through the generosity of Wells Fargo and our network of community-based organizations.

Rural LISC

The funding will help Rural LISC’s Business Development Organization (BDO) Network, Digital Navigator Program, and microlending options be implemented in selected partner towns in SD, ID, and WY. Through this outreach, small business ecosystems, capital access, and technology adoption for improving financial access will all be strengthened. 
 
Tim Rios, who oversees Wells Fargo’s rural philanthropic initiatives, declared that “improving internet connectivity in rural and native communities is vital to increased financial health and effective community development.” “These initiatives’ reach to more individuals and neighbourhood businesses is dramatically increased by working with Rural LISC, Grow South Dakota, and other professionals.” 
 
As we collaborate to assist South Dakotans in navigating and fully participating in the digital economy, Rural LISC, Wells Fargo, and a number of other governmental, community, and business stakeholders will be present. “We are so excited to host them,” said Marcia Erickson, CEO. Beginning these projects is essential to establishing equal internet access in our rural and tribal communities in the future.