Heartland Forward

Last week, President Angie Cooper and Chief Research Officer Dave Shideler joined tech leaders and entrepreneurs at Grand Farm for the ‘Elevate 2025’ summit. At the event, Cooper and Shideler discussed the role of tech and AI in transforming agricultural opportunities for heartland residents and how to best support the entrepreneurial spirit in the region. Thank you for having us, Grand Farm! 

We are thrilled to announce Angie Cooper will lead our organization as president of Heartland Forward, with Ross DeVol, who has led the organization since 2019, transitioning to serve as chairman emeritus and distinguished fellow. We could not be more excited to continue our tremendous momentum as we transition into a new era for the organization while maintaining our focus on our core impact areas through applied research, programs, policy and convenings. Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/ep69VFTp

Today, we highlight Fall 2023 Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator participant, Shadrach Igwe. Joining the cohort with an idea for a health care credential management app, Shadrach sought to expand access to quality care professionals while improving the health care workforce environment for credentialed professionals. Shadrach's work aligns with Heartland Forward's work to support patients and professionals in expanding and navigating the health care environment. The Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator powered by Heartland Forward recently celebrated its 1,000th participant and $10 million in funding for entrepreneurs. Shadrach is our 15th feature, a bonus to wrap up our series celebrating this tremendous achievement!

Heartland states are leading the charge as we move towards an AI-powered economy. In a piece for Forbes, John Werner outlines the ways the middle of the country is playing a large role in AI adoption and integration–citing Heartland Forward polling data regarding the public sentiment on AI. AI is transforming the way the world perceives economic development, and we are happy to continue serving as a voice for the heartland in the broader conversation. Read the full article here:  https://lnkd.in/ejW6GPMC

Access to affordable high-speed internet is the number one economic issue of our time. Thank you, Roby Brock, for hosting Heartland Forward’s Angie Cooper on Capitol View to discuss the investments being made to increase connectivity in the heartland. Watch the full segment here: https://lnkd.in/eaerWR2F

Today, we highlight Fall 2024 Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator participant Lillian J. Hewitt of Birmingham, AL    With an idea of improving health outcomes for black women through personalized health tracking, educational resources and a community hub, EmpowerHER Heart App aligns with Heartland Forward’s work to improve health outcomes in the heartland.   The Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator powered by Heartland Forward recently celebrated its 1,000th participant and $10 million in funding for entrepreneurs. Lillian is the 14th of 14 participants we are shining the spotlight on this month. Stay tuned as we highlight more participants in the coming days to celebrate such a landmark achievement!

Today, we highlight Winter 2023 Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator participant Antwanette Crutcher, CLSSGB of Western Tennessee. With an idea to promote positive health outcomes in her community, Antwanette and Jasper Float Spa & Wellness's mission aligns with Heartland Forward's work to improve health outcomes across the region. The Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator powered by Heartland Forward recently celebrated its 1,000th participant and $10 million in funding for entrepreneurs. Antwanette is the 13th of 14 participants we are shining the spotlight on this month. Stay tuned as we highlight more participants in the coming days to celebrate such a landmark achievement!

Earlier this week, the federal government released the American AI Action Plan. From fast-tracking data center development to investing in apprenticeships, the plan outlines how AI infrastructure and workforce training can tap into the heartland’s untapped potential in the AI economy. It also supports AI-powered solutions for rural health care and small businesses — a critical priority for the region. But what does this mean for the heartland? In a recent Pulse of the Heartland Exclusive, we analyzed the impact the policy has on heartland communities. While the plan is a national strategy for AI adoption and implementation, heartland communities have the opportunity to play a significant role in delivering upon the promise of an AI-powered future. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/ehcDAH9q

During the Tulsa cohort of the Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator, Matthew Woodson sought to spread the gardening experience to more members of his community through Front Yard Farms. As a mobile gardening experience, Front Yard Farms connects people with the experience of cultivating fresh food. Matthew's mission to spread gardening and cultivation knowledge aligns with Heartland Forward's dedication to placemaking and to our drive to promote positive health outcomes among heartland residents. The Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator powered by Heartland Forward recently celebrated its 1,000th participant and $10 million in funding for entrepreneurs. Matthew is the 12th of 14 participants we are shining the spotlight on this month. Stay tuned as we highlight more participants in the coming days to celebrate such a landmark achievement! 

Based out of Tulsa, OK, Koddi Dunn began Love Mobile Inc. to merge cellular service and community service. At Heartland Forward, we share Koddi's perspective on the importance of access to affordable high-speed internet and connectivity and celebrate Love Mobile's mission to invest in heartland communities. The Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator powered by Heartland Forward recently celebrated its 1,000th participant and $10 million in funding for entrepreneurs. Koddi is the 11th of 14 participants we are shining the spotlight on this month. Stay tuned as we highlight more participants in the coming days to celebrate such a landmark achievement!